Embankment Preservation Coalition

The Embankment Preservation Coalition in Jersey City, NJ is a dedicated group working to preserve and restore the Harsimus Branch and Embankment, a historic rail corridor and stone structure that has become a unique green corridor in the city. Their vision is to preserve, restore, and activate this natural forest and meadow, which serves as a vital green infrastructure, reducing stormwater flow and providing a public oasis in the busy city. The coalition also aims to connect Jersey City neighborhoods, historic sites, and open spaces through the Embankment and associated corridors, creating a community connector and contributing to the regional East Coast Greenway trail network.

The Harsimus Branch and Embankment, originally a freight way into New York Harbor, played a significant role in shaping Jersey City neighborhoods and the growth of the Port of New York. Designed by James J. Ferris, the Embankment is a remarkable stone structure that resolved the instability of the previous rail line and created a safer and healthier urban environment. As rail activities slowed, nature took over, establishing a natural urban meadow and forest that now thrives on top of the stone structure. The coalition aims to preserve this green corridor as a precedent for other cities, demonstrating the compatibility of a healthy ecology and urban infrastructure. Additionally, they are working towards completing the East Coast Greenway trail in Hudson County, offering a safe place for people of all ages and abilities to exercise, commute, and explore new destinations.

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