Area June 9, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Limatola steps into role of Allendale’s marsh warden by John Koster Mike Limatola has officially moved into the role of Allendale’s marsh warden as part of a gradual process he worked out some years ago with his friend and mentor, Stiles Thomas, the first marsh warden who helped preserve the Celery Farm Natural Area. “Stiles was marsh warden for 27 years and not only helped save the place, but also increased its size from the original 60 acres in 1981 to the current 107 acres,” Limatola, a computer analyst from Ho-HoKus, said last week. “Stiles had planned for his retirement some time ago by creating the position of deputy marsh warden in 1999, and appointed me to it with the idea that when he retired I would take over as marsh warden. Stiles had actually turned over operations to me about four years ago, so it was a pretty gradual transition. Stiles and I had worked closely on every major project at the preserve since I met him in 1997. Before that, I had been working at the preserve on my own since the spring of 1983, a few weeks after my first visit. I just couldn’t believe this jewel of land was right in Allendale a few miles from where I grew up and I had never known about it. I felt the least I could do was to help take care of it. I started clipping invasive vines from trees and pickd up garbage back then.” In 1997, Limatola said he was approached by two members of the Fyke Nature Association, which helps maintain the nature preserve. At the time, Limatola was removing a fallen tree from the Allendale Brook. “They asked me what I was doing and told me to call Stiles, so I did,” Limatola recalled. “We met in the parking lot, talked, and have been friends ever since. You couldn’t meet a nicer person anywhere. He always takes time to call and thank me for any work I’ve done at the preserve, and that really means a lot to me. I’ve spent a lot of time with Stiles, including a 10-day trip to Belize – there was never a dull moment. It’s always fun being around him and his family – they’re all great people and I’m happy I ran into them down life’s path.” Limatola has been a member of Fyke for several years, and is currently the association’s president. Thomas, a World War II paratrooper, operated a local insurance agency for many years and has been active in wildlife conservation on the local, state, and national level. He talked various developers and other landowners into donating wetlands and other less-than-prime properties to the point where the Celery Farm now includes more than 100 acres and had been the scene of hundreds of migratory bird species. Over the years, sightings of birds such as purple gallinule, sandhill crane, Wilson’s and rednecked phalaropes, Bonaparte’s gulls, and Mike Limatola looks on as Stiles Thomas releases a red-shouldered hawk at the Celery Farm. The hawk had been injured and rehabilitated prior to the release. (File photo.) prothonotary warbler have drawn scores of birders, photographers, and other nature lovers. Jim Strauch, now a member of the Allendale Borough Council, also served as one of two assistant marsh wardens with Limatola for several years, but resigned due to the possibility of perceived conflict of interest when he was elected to the council. The entrance to the Celery Farm Natural Area is located along Franklin Turnpike, in Allendale. Now Open! 396 Franklin Ave Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-5500 Across from Aldo’s Restaurant Wyckoff Cycle LLC We Repair ALL Bicycle Brands Bikes for the Whole Family and the Pros Call about our Special Occasion Catering No job too big or too small! ������� ������������ 99 West Allendale Ave. Allendale, NJ Phone: 201-327-2423 Fax: 201-327-9550 Mike Canova-Owner, Graduate of Culinary Institute of America Monday thru Saturday 6am to 3pm • Sunday 7am to 2pm BerniesBagelsGeneric2x2(2-17-10) For Mike from Janine 2 x 2” ��� Women’s Sandals ���������������������������� ��������������� ������������ �������������������������������������������������� ����������������� ������ ����