5k Run Results in $5k Donation to Park Conservancy
Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy Treasurer Tim Johnson (left) accepts $5000 donation from Booooo-mfield 5k Race Director Dave Alfano.
(Bloomfield, NJ, January 9, 2026) – The inaugural Booooo-mfield 5k Run held on October 18 generated a donation of $5,000 to the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy (https://www.friendsofwatsessing.org) from race organizer Trials of Miles Racing (https://trialsofmilesracing.com). Race Director Dave Alfano, who is also a Watsessing Heights resident, presented a check on October 28 to conservancy treasurer Tim Johnson. Proceeds from the run also benefitted the Bloomfield High School track and cross-country teams.
The Halloween-themed fun run attracted more than 700 participants and wound its way throughout Watsessing Park and surrounding neighborhoods in Bloomfield and East Orange. Local businesses and community organizations also took part via sponsorships and display tables at the start/finish area.
“We were very happy to participate in this great community event,” said Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy President Rich Moseson. “And we are very grateful to Dave Alfano and Trials of Miles Racing for their generous donation. The funds will help us continue to plant more trees in the park and support ongoing projects such as our butterfly garden and native plant restoration areas. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Trials of Miles for future events.”
“It was incredible to see Watsessing Park filled with families, runners/walkers and neighbors coming together for the first-ever Booooo-mfield 5K,” noted Alfano. “The energy and community spirit were exactly what we hoped for. We’re proud to support the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy and hope this marks the start of a long partnership that continues to celebrate and invest in this amazing park.”
The Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy works with the Essex County Parks Department and the surrounding community to enhance the natural beauty of Watsessing Park and to educate the public about environmental matters and the health benefits offered by parks and other green spaces. For more information, visit https://www.friendsofwatsessing.org.
Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy Plants 20 New Trees in Park
(Bloomfield, NJ, November 11, 2025) – Essex County Watsessing Park is getting greener, thanks to a new tree planting effort by the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy. The group recently planted 20 new trees in the 69-acre county park which straddles the Bloomfield/East Orange border. Several of the trees were planted in an area along the banks of the Second River, where a stand of ash trees had to be cut down several years ago due to damage from ash borer beetles.
“Adding more trees is especially important in the semi-urban environment surrounding Watsessing Park,” said conservancy president Rich Moseson, “as trees help reduce summertime heat, add oxygen to the air, help stabilize streambanks, and help mitigate flooding after heavy rains.”
“Many of the trees in Watsessing Park are nearing the end of their lifespans,” noted Tree Committee chair Tim Johnson, “so adding new trees now is essential to preserving the park’s environmental benefits for future generations. It is the conservancy’s goal to add 10-15 new trees per year to the park on an ongoing basis.” Johnson added that the committee’s focus is on native species that are appropriate for the terrain in which they are being planted. Species selected for this planting included pin oak, bald cypress, eastern white pine, tulip poplar, Princeton elm, sweet gum and willow.
The conservancy thanks the Essex County Parks Department for its assistance in the recent tree planting.
The Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy works with the Essex County Parks Department and the surrounding community to enhance the natural beauty of Watsessing Park and to educate the public about environmental matters and the health benefits offered by parks and other green spaces.
Photo on left: Essex County Parks Department crew prepares to dig a hole in which to plant one of the 20 trees added to Watsessing Park in October by the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy. (Robert Robertson photo)
Photo on right: Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy members prepare to plant one of 20 trees recently added to the Essex County park in Bloomfield and East Orange. From left, Tree Committee chair Tim Johnson, conservancy president Rich Moseson, volunteers Robert Robertson and Vincent Amari. (Ted Gamble photo)
