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 The
Springfield Environmental Commission has invited the public to visit the
Houdaille Quarry on Oct. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sometimes called the "Grand
Canyon" of Union County, the quarry has trails to the pond,
expansive views of the basin and many varieties of flora and fauna.
Basalt, a hard, black volcanic
rock, was once quarried there and crushed to produce gravel for road
construction and asphalt. A video of the history of the quarry is
available at the Springfield Public Library.
Twenty-minute round-trip walks
to a scenic overlook will begin at 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. Two-mile
round-trip walks to the pond will start at 1:30 and 2 p.m. The walks to
the pond are moderately strenuous. Sturdy shoes, long pants and
long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Responsible adults must accompany
children.
The quarry is used by the Union
County Model Airplane Club, whose members will be demonstrating while
the quarry is open to the public on Oct. 9.
To get to the quarry from
Shunpike Road going toward Summit from Springfield, make a left on
Mountain View. The entrance is on the right, approximately one mile from
Shunpike. Enter the gate and park in the designated parking area.
For information, call Faith
Brancato at 973-376-3436.
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