Scene Around: A Fair Haven Sanctuary Rededication for the Birds

It’s for the birds — and area nature lovers.

The Harding Bird Sanctuary in Fair Haven was rededicated on its 70th anniversary of existence on Saturday. The rededication came with some additions for the birds and bats as well as landscape beautification, officials said in a released statement.

In honor of Fair Haven Garden Club members past who, officials said, contributed more than 150 years’ worth of services to the borough, a bed of plants was added as were two new benches to sit, listen and enjoy the nature-flush view. Four bat houses were also a new addition along Harding Road, courtesy of an Eagle Scout and his project.

All was unveiled in a ceremony that included officials, Garden Club members and a scout.

The sanctuary’s history …

Originally, the sanctuary was wooded land off Harding Road, on the Fair Haven side, of course, donated to the borough by the road’s namesake, Charles B. Harding, the man who was also involved in the actual development of of the road that connects to Red Bank. The land was given to the borough on July 26, 1950.

Six years later, the Harding Bird Sanctuary became a reality after the Garden Club members approached the Borough Council in 1955 with the prospect of developing the nature spot officially into a bird sanctuary.

And in 1956, the Harding Bird Sanctuary was dedicated.

— Photos/Borough of Fair Haven