Why Save the Reservoir

The Reservoir is a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and meadow-topped walls in the center of the Jersey City Heights. Since Jersey City discontinued use of the Reservoir for drinking water twenty years ago, nature has reclaimed the Reservoir area. Walking up the old stone steps today, one gets the opportunity to step out of our hectic world and into an oasis of quiet.

Closed in with high stone walls, this “hidden jewel” is a stunning example of wildlife in this very urban area. Great blue heron, swallows, peregrine falcons, and numerous other birds find haven here, and the residents of Jersey City, from students to seniors, would reap incalcuable benefit from keeping this natural oasis alive and protected.

The Reservoir stands just south of Pershing Field Park in the Heights section of Jersey City. The 1874 Egyptian Revival walls and Romanesque pump-houses are of major historic significance to our City and region.

Presently the Reservoir is only partially protected from development. The entire 13 acres of the Reservoir need to be protected now, before they are sold off as a short-termsolution to a budget gap and built over with a parking garage, high-rise, school, or some other inappropriate use.

Swaying wildflower meadows, thriving trees including oak, cherry, apple, and birch, and emerging wetlands that include healthy stands of broad-leaved cattails surround a large lake at this peaceful 14-acre site.