31 NJ Towns Awarded Grants to Build Healthy, Resilient and Sustainable Communities

on May 14, 2020

Today, Sustainable Jersey announced the thirty-one New Jersey municipalities selected to receive a Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the PSEG Foundation. Five $20,000 grants, six $10,000 grants and twenty $2,000 grants were distributed to municipalities in fourteen New Jersey counties.

The grant awards will fund a range of projects including green infrastructure, food waste composting education, single-use plastic reduction campaigns, community gardens, a farmers market, environmental resource inventories, a diversity discussion series, green team capacity building and more.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these grants will strengthen our communities and build the groundwork for finding solutions to the sustainability concerns that are reaching a crisis point,” said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. He extended his congratulations to all of the towns that received grants.By making preparations today to ensure our future wellbeing, we strengthen our communities and help alleviate future disasters,” Solomon added.

The PSEG Foundation has contributed $2.2 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program for municipalities and schools. “The PSEG Foundation is committed to helping build sustainable and thriving communities by empowering and investing in the people, environment and infrastructure of the communities we serve, embodying our mission to help build better places to live and work,” said Rick Thigpen, senior vice president of Corporate Citizenship at PSEG and chairman of the PSEG Foundation. “Supporting Sustainable Jersey and local municipalities as they build sustainability programs puts resources where they’re needed to positively impact the environment and local communities, having a lasting impact on neighborhoods throughout New Jersey.”

SUSTAINABLE JERSEY GRANTS RECIPIENTS (project descriptions and select quotes below):

·       Five $20,000 Grant Recipients: Collingswood Borough, Franklin Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton Town and Oakland Borough

·       Six $10,000 Grant Recipients:  Hanover Township, Island Heights Borough, Maple Shade Township, Readington Township, Verona Township and West Windsor Township

·        Twenty $2,000 Grant Recipients: Bernardsville Borough, Buena Vista Township, Cranford Township, East Brunswick Township, Fair Lawn Borough, Fanwood Borough, Glen Rock Borough, Hopewell Township, Jamesburg Borough, Manville Borough, Marlboro Township, Merchantville Borough, Middletown Township, Paramus Borough, Red Bank Borough, Ringwood Borough, Trenton City, Vineland City, Washington Township and West Orange Township

 

Proposals were evaluated by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey grants are intended to help municipalities make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey certification. Nearly ninety percent of the New Jersey population lives in a registered or certified Sustainable Jersey community. Currently 455 municipalities, or 81 percent New Jersey municipalities, are registered with Sustainable Jersey.

Recipients of $20,000 Sustainable Jersey Project Grants

County

Municipality

Project Title

Project Summary

Atlantic

Galloway Township

Reduce, Reuse, INSPIRE! Campaign

The Township's green team, Go Green Galloway, and Absecon will implement this campaign to help reduce the consumption of single-use plastics in the community. Activities include a reusable bag design contest for students, the integration of plastics education into the school curriculum, community clean-up days, lectures, film showings, the installation of new water bottle refilling stations in the park, and more.

Atlantic

Hammonton Town

Incorporating Sustainability Elements into the Master Plan

The town will conduct a review and update of its Master Plan to incorporate Green Building, Sustainability, and Historic Preservation elements. Incorporating these elements into the Mater Plan will give the Town an opportunity to solidify and advance the sustainability gains the town has made and insure these elements are considered during the planning process. 

Bergen

Oakland Borough

Community Garden and Seed Bank

The Green Team will create a community garden with a teaching area that is centrally located in the community so that it accessible by various groups such as seniors and students. The garden will be ADA compliant and beds of various heights and sizes will be offered to accommodate different ages and physical needs. A seed bank will be created at the library that will provide native and heirloom seeds to residents. Some of the produce grown will be donated to the Borough's food bank.

Camden

Collingswood Borough

Green Dining District

The Green Team and Business Improvement District will create a Green Dining District to help promote sustainable business practices in its restaurants that will dramatically lower waste and strengthen the local economy. Annual Green Innovative Dining Awards will be given to recognize and encourage restaurants in implementing sustainable practices. 

Somerset

Franklin Township

Green Infrastructure Planning and Implementation

The Township will work with Rutgers to build on previous impervious coverage studies in the community by completing a Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study. This study will provide project-specific drawings, calculations and cost estimates that will allow for the implementation of two of the identified green infrastructure projects.

 

Recipients of $10,000 Sustainable Jersey Project Grants

County

Municipality

Project Title

Project Summary

Burlington

Maple Shade Township

Natural Resources Inventory

The Township will develop its first Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) to identify various natural resources and areas of conservation within the community. Once completed, the NRI will serve as a guideline to assist the Planning and Zoning Boards in making informed planning decisions that follow sustainable practices.

Essex

Verona Township

A Community Garden for All

The Township will work with Eagle Scouts to create a handicap-accessible community garden that will provide opportunities for residents to grow food, spend time outside, be physically active, and get to know their neighbors. Plots will also be available for local restaurants interested in the farm-to-table movement, food pantries, seniors, students, non-profit groups, residents from the surrounding towns, and more.

Hunterdon

Readington Township

Meadow Management Plans for Open Space Properties

The Open Space Advisory Board and Environmental Commission, in partnership with the Center for Environmental Studies at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), will create meadow restoration plans for 31 fields currently considered open space properties. These plans will help the Township continue is commitment to sustainable land use, natural resource and wildlife interaction.

Mercer

West Windsor Township

BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag Initiative

The Township will create a campaign to educate residents, students, and businesses on the environmental and health perils of single-use plastic bags and promote the use of reusable bags. Reusable bags will be donated by retailers and will distributed to the community along with educational materials. Signage promoting the use of the bags will be placed in parking lots and storefronts to help remind residents to BYOB.

Morris

Hanover Township

Sustainable Soil: Backyard Compost Initiative

Sustainable Soil is a pilot backyard composting program that will divert a significant amount of organic waste from landfills and provide nutrient rich soil for gardening. The pilot program will provide a compost bins and a kitchen containers to collect food scraps along with a series of free workshops and seminars to educate the public on the benefits of composting.

Ocean

Island Heights Borough

Outdoor Recreation Space Upgrades for More Inclusive Environments

The Environmental Committee and Green Team will upgrade the Borough's outdoor recreation spaces to create a more inclusive environment for seniors, children and people with disabilities. This includes installing outdoor musical pieces at the Children's Garden and other equipment meant to support physical and mental exercise, boost social interactions, and encourage creativity.

 

Recipients of $2,000 Sustainable Jersey Capacity Building Grants

County

Municipality

Project Title

Project Summary

Atlantic

Buena Vista Township

Town Hall Butterfly Garden

The Township, which is proactive in efforts to protect pollinators and is designated as the second municipality certified through Bee City, will construct a butterfly garden at the entrance of the town hall.

Bergen

Fair Lawn Borough

Sensory Garden

The Borough will plant a sensory garden at the Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library that will also act as a pollinator garden. Native plants will be used to create an educational experience for residents.

Bergen

Glen Rock Borough

Natural Inventory Resources (NRI) Update

The Borough will update its Natural Resource Inventory (NRI), which will help ensure future land use planning accurately assesses the environmental impact of proposed development options.

Bergen

Paramus Borough

Anti-Idling Education Campaign

In 2015, the Borough adopted a resolution for an anti-idling education campaign that will now be implemented by the Shade Tree & Parks Commission. Signage explaining how idling is illegal and the harmful effects it has on the community will be posted at all Borough-owned property and schools.

Camden

Merchantville Borough

Composting and Gardening at the Community Center

Incredible Edible Merchantville is a group formed in July 2018 whose mission is to encourage a culture of wellness and promote food justice through edible landscapes. The group will create an edible garden, fruit tree patch, and composting system at the community center.

Cumberland

Vineland City

First Green Fair

Vineland is holding its first Green Fair in conjunction with other municipal, county, state, and non-profit organizations.

Essex

West Orange Township

Artificial Floating Islands

The Township will work with students from local schools to construct artificial floating islands on three local waterways. These structures are constructed using recycled and reused materials and allow the growth of aquatic vegetation that helps improve water quality.

Mercer

Hopewell Township

Non-Mandated Materials Collection

The green team, representing Hopewell and Pennington Boroughs and Hopewell Township, seeks to expand its collection of non-mandated materials for recycling by hosting six TerraCycle Zero Waste collections at community events and two packing Styrofoam collections at municipal locations.

Mercer

Trenton City

Master Plan Citizen Guide

Trenton's Department of Housing and Economic Development and the Trenton Green Team will work to compile, print, and disseminate the Citizen's Guide for the City's master plan. The Citizen Guide will help Trenton residents learn about the plan and the sustainability and conservation goals outlined within it.

Middlesex

East Brunswick Township

Farmers Market

In response to a lack of available fresh produce in the region, the Township will start a farmers market.

Middlesex

Jamesburg Borough

Green Business Recognition Program

The green teams of Jamesburg Borough and Monroe Township will work together to establish a green business recognition program.

Monmouth

Marlboro Township

Plastic Waste Reduction Program

The Township will install water bottle filling stations at the Municipal Recreation Center that supports an estimated 15,000 visits per year. The stations and corresponding educational campaign will contribute toward the creation of a Green Learning Center within the center.

Monmouth

Middletown Township

Recycling Education and Outreach

The Township will support its "Strive for 5" recycling education and enforcement campaign that will educate residents on proper recycling practices including what households should and should not place in recycling bins.

Monmouth

Red Bank Borough

Navesink River Protection Project

A rain garden and a rainwater harvesting system will be installed at the First Aid & Rescue Squad building to help to reduce the volume of polluted stormwater flowing into the Navesink River.

Morris

Washington Township

Bio-swale at Harrington Park

The green team will develop a bio-swale in the parking area of Harrington Park to prevent pollution from entering local waterways.

Passaic

Ringwood Borough

Creating a Healthy Environment

This project will support the Borough's efforts to achieve silver certification including educational programs for how to reduce, and properly dispose of, waste in environmentally friendly ways and how to promote a healthy environment.

Somerset

Bernardsville Borough

Green Business Support and Recognition Program

The  Environmental Commission is creating a green business support and recognition program for food service businesses including farms that will focus on providing resources and recognition to businesses who work to reduce the amount of food and non-recyclable waste, increase efforts to compost food waste and increase the use of recyclable or compostable single-use food containers.

Somerset

Manville Borough

Environmental Justice in Planning and Zoning

As a diverse community, the Borough recognizes the importance of engaging the public in decision making. The grant will support an innovative series of sessions with members of multiple racial, cultural, gender-based, aged-based and professional groups to inform planning for the transportation, safety, education and employment sectors.

Union

Cranford Township

Living Green Without Single-Use Plastics

In 2019, the Township passed a single-use plastics ban, however, public awareness of the ban is not yet widespread. The green team will develop a publicity campaign to increase visibility of the ban, promote its benefits, and educate residents on recycling.

Union

Fanwood Borough

Green Team Visibility Project

The Borough will improve and expand the green team's presence at local and regional community events and conduct membership outreach. These efforts will increase the green team's visibility as a resource for environmental preservation and sustainability efforts.

 

 QUOTES FROM SELECT $20,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

For over 10 years, our green team, Go Green Galloway, has truly made a positive difference in our community.  We are so proud of these volunteers and the work they have done.   The programs and projects funded by this grant will go a long way to reduce the use of single-use plastics in our Township.  We thank Sustainable Jersey and PSEG Foundation for their continued support. - Jim Gorman, Mayor, Galloway Township, Atlantic County

 

Hammonton is a town that always holds true to its values, but isn’t hesitant to modernize. That can’t be more evident by the town’s creation of its Green Team to focus on environmental sustainability while also passing a Sustainable Land Use Pledge and a Green Building Resolution. This grant will help the town to further embed the sustainability, green building and historic preservation elements of our community into the very core of our towns Master Plan. I would like to sincerely thank Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for their support and for giving Hammonton the ability to make New Jersey a cleaner and greener place for all of us. - Stephen DiDonato, Mayor, Hammonton Town, Atlantic County

 

I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Sustainable Oakland Green Team and especially want to thank the committee Co-Chairs Alison Fleeson and Carol Peterson for bringing the community garden project from a dream to reality for the Borough of Oakland.  This community garden is a long desired feature which will serve the needs of our young, our old and our disabled.  The addition of this asset to Oakland will help to connect our community to their food, and is an important step towards our constant movement towards a sustainable future. - Linda Schwager, Mayor, Oakland Borough, Bergen County

 

The Township of Franklin is so pleased to receive this generous award from Sustainable Jersey! As a longtime proponent of green infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainability, the Township will use this funding to create a well-planned Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study and implement at least one project from that Study. This Study will be reviewed frequently during planning, modification and design phases at our Township facilities and open spaces. The use of cleaner energy, conservation of natural resources and cost-savings associated with these projects will not only directly benefit our residents, businesses and visitors, but will serve as a model for stewardship, environmental education and resiliency. On behalf of Franklin Township, I extend my gratitude to Sustainable Jersey for this grant, their continued guidance and expertise, and their ever-present support and encouragement! - Phillip Kramer, Mayor, Franklin Township, Somerset County

 

QUOTES FROM SELECT $10,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

Maple Shade is honored to accept the $10,000 award for our Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) project. We are also beyond proud of our Sustainable Maple Shade Committee.  The dedicated and hardworking volunteers work endlessly at creating a cleaner more sustainable community for our residents.  With the help of this funding, Maple Shade will be able to complete the NRI which will enable us to identify important naturally occurring resources within our township. We look forward to the completion of this project and the information it will provide us as we work towards land conservation and future planning. - Claire Volpe, Mayor, Maple Shade Township, Burlington County

 

For several years now a community garden has been a project on paper that many residents have been excited about. Residents in condominiums, townhomes and apartments, and still hundreds of others that don't have space or sunlight on their property have expressed interest in participating and contributing to it. Startup costs range from $15k to $20k and therefore this grant will kick start site excavation, fencing and construction of raised beds in order to be prepared for next Spring's planting season.  The Township of Verona is so thankful for Sustainable Jersey's grant and the PSEG Foundation's generosity.  On behalf of the Township of Verona, we thank you! - Jack McEvoy, Mayor, Verona Township, Essex County

 

Readington Township would like to thank the PSEG Foundation for funding this grant and the Sustainable Jersey Selection Committee for choosing our Meadow Inventory and Management Plan application as the recipient for their $10,000 grant. Readington Township to date has preserved 2150 acres of Open Space with the purchase of over 100 properties. The properties are preserved from development and kept for the public use. These lands have been used for recreational purposes: providing parks, hiking + biking trails and horse trails. The balance of the lands are a natural resource providing buffers for stream corridors, habitat for wildlife and pollinators. The Township efforts have now turned to stewardship of these lands. We are supporting sustainable land use practices by protecting areas of high biodiversity, planting native trees and shrubs, planting warm season grasses, eradicating invasive species and adjusting our mowing schedules to allow for support of native flora and fauna and increase the benefits to native pollinators. The funds from this grant will allow Readington Township to hire Raritan Valley Community College students and faculty to conduct an inventory of the Meadows and make recommendations regarding better land use and restoration practices. The field inventory, biological surveys and data documentation will be the beginning of our stewardship program. This data will allow Readington Township to establish a plan to restore the meadows to a more natural condition and provide better habitat for wildlife and native pollinators. Our goal is to have these lands available in a natural and pristine state for generations to come. Thank You again for your generous grant. - Jonathan Heller, Mayor, Readington Township, Hunterdon County

 

West Windsor Township has demonstrated an advanced track record on environmental issues, balanced with economic and social interests, to create a great place to reside, along a more sustainable path.  In November, I charged our Environmental Commission to develop an education campaign in the community to foster improved awareness of the environmental harm caused by single-use plastic bags. We are grateful to Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for their assistance in facilitating this campaign, and the continued advancement of sustainable practices in our town, the State, and the world. - Hemant Marathe, Mayor, West Windsor Township, Mercer County

 

Hanover thanks Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for this generous grant. Our community is dedicated to the sustainable uses of our environment. The Stoney Brook Municipal Farm & Garden, all organic, is just one example. This grant will provide Hanover opportunities to educate and encourage the recycling of more food waste into much needed compost. - Ron Francioli, Mayor, Hanover Township, Morris County

 

On behalf of all of our Borough Council Members and the residents of our Great Borough, I thank the dedicated members of our Green Team and Environmental Committee for their tireless work in preparing our grant application to Sustainable Jersey.   The volunteer work of our residents has earned us the coveted "Silver" status and this $10,000 grant will allow us to enhance recreation and learning opportunities for all of our residents and particularly for our seniors and those who may be mobility impaired. I applaud Sustainable Jersey for their wisdom in making this award and I commend all of their donors who make these grants possible. - E. Steven Doyle, Mayor, Island Heights Borough, Ocean County

 

QUOTES FROM SELECT $2,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

On behalf of the town of Merchantville and its sustainability volunteers, I’d like to thank Sustainable Jersey for their help with our efforts to create a resilient community, both through their ongoing support and this recent grant award. We look forward to working with our volunteers and Rutgers Environmental Stewards to create a community space for engagement and education in edible gardens, composting and native habitat. - Ted Brennan, Mayor, Merchantville Borough, Camden County

 

I want to thank Sustainable Jersey for their support of environmental projects in City of Vineland. This grant will assist the city, and a variety public and private partners, in helping to encourage sustainable living practices in every aspect of our daily life.  By doing so, we can reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive environmental impact within our community.  Thanks also to our Green Team members who are working hard to develop innovative programs to advance ongoing sustainability efforts. - Anthony Fanucci, Mayor, Vineland City, Cumberland County

 

The Sustainable Jersey Grant for the Artificial Floating Islands will play an important role in West Orange. Plant life will be permitted to grow their roots deep on three small ponds with deep roots in township history. These floating islands will add beauty and help us fulfill our role as responsible stewards of the environment. - Robert D. Parisi, Mayor, West Orange Township, Essex County

 

The West Orange Public Schools are so excited and appreciative to have been a part of the receipt of this grant in partnership with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the municipal government's Sustainable Jersey for the Township of West Orange. The Artificial Floating Islands project presents a myriad of innovative learning opportunities from Science, to Art, to Intergenerational programming. I can't wait to see this grant put into motion. - Dr. J. Scott Cascone, Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools, Essex County

 

Hopewell Township is honored to have been awarded this important grant money. We have several long-wished for projects in mind that these funds will support. Each of these projects has a focus on the destructive effects Styrofoam has on our environment and will help us make Hopewell Township a cleaner and healthier home for our residents and the other species with whom we share this special place. We are deeply grateful to Sustainable Jersey for recognizing Hopewell Township's efforts to preserve and protect our home in this way. - Kristin McLaughlin, Mayor, Hopewell Township, Mercer County

 

The Township of East Brunswick is so thankful for this grant from Sustainable Jersey. Opening up this Farmers Market has been a dream of ours for quite some time. In an age of food insecurity and in the backyard of so many farms, it seems like such an overdue marriage. Our residents are extremely excited about this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable environment all while enjoying the fruits of nature on their own tables. After all, we are the “Garden State”. - Brad Cohen, Mayor, East Brunswick Township, Middlesex County

 

I want to thank our green team and municipal staff for working together on this, and especially Sustainable Jersey for the grant opportunities that make these projects possible. Our re-useable water bottle filling station in the Recreation Center will be used by residents and visitors of all ages as they enjoy the many activities and events held there.  The reduction in single use plastic and the education that this initiative provides is a way to look forward in sustainability after the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. - Jonathan L. Hornik, Mayor, Marlboro Township, Monmouth County

 

The Middletown Green Team recently presented an Earth Week Challenge that was well-received and more than doubled the number of followers on Facebook. This grant funding will help them polish their image with a new logo design and provide creative giveaways to the community so they can continue to grow their brand and presence on social media and at local events. - Tony Perry, Mayor, Middletown Township, Monmouth County

 

The Borough of Red Bank is committed to protecting our cherished Navesink River, the ecosystem of our town and surrounding communities. Thanks to this grant from Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation, we're able to add yet another rain garden and rainwater harvester system that will help reduce the volume of polluted stormwater from entering our watershed. - Pasquale Menna, Mayor, Red Bank Borough, Monmouth County

 

We are so proud of the work that our Environmental Commission and Green Team are doing to benefit our community and we are grateful for this grant that will support the Environmental Commission's efforts to establish green practices in Bernardsville's food service businesses. This funding is particularly timely as one of the components of the project is to increase the use of sustainable take out containers. - Mary Jane Canose, Mayor, Bernardsville Borough, Somerset County

 

The Borough of Manville is very pleased to receive this generous award from Sustainable Jersey! We are so excited to put these funds to work in hosting a special series of “Diversity Discussions” for our community.  We hope to foster innovative ideas and strategic thought sharing in order to learn more about the needs and wants of our current and future residents. In summarizing our findings, we will be able to present a report along with a multi-cultural/generational art piece to be displayed at Borough Hall. Sustainable Jersey has been a major supporter to the Borough of Manville, and continues to inspire us with its expertise and guidance. We look forward to sharing this important study with our residents, business owners and fellow municipalities! - Richard Onderko, Mayor, Manville Borough, Somerset County

 

The support of Sustainable Jersey is invaluable to our newly invigorated local green team.  This grant is very welcome and allows us to bring the reduce, recycle, reuse message to our residents in a variety of tangible ways that would not otherwise be possible.  However, just as important are the resources and support Sustainable Jersey provides through their great website and Sustainable Jersey community.  We are very grateful. - Colleen Mahr, Mayor, Fanwood Borough, Union County

QUOTES FROM SELECT $20,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

For over 10 years, our green team, Go Green Galloway, has truly made a positive difference in our community.  We are so proud of these volunteers and the work they have done.   The programs and projects funded by this grant will go a long way to reduce the use of single-use plastics in our Township.  We thank Sustainable Jersey and PSEG Foundation for their continued support. - Jim Gorman, Mayor, Galloway Township, Atlantic County

 

Hammonton is a town that always holds true to its values, but isn’t hesitant to modernize. That can’t be more evident by the town’s creation of its Green Team to focus on environmental sustainability while also passing a Sustainable Land Use Pledge and a Green Building Resolution. This grant will help the town to further embed the sustainability, green building and historic preservation elements of our community into the very core of our towns Master Plan. I would like to sincerely thank Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for their support and for giving Hammonton the ability to make New Jersey a cleaner and greener place for all of us. - Stephen DiDonato, Mayor, Hammonton Town, Atlantic County

 

I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of the Sustainable Oakland Green Team and especially want to thank the committee Co-Chairs Alison Fleeson and Carol Peterson for bringing the community garden project from a dream to reality for the Borough of Oakland.  This community garden is a long desired feature which will serve the needs of our young, our old and our disabled.  The addition of this asset to Oakland will help to connect our community to their food, and is an important step towards our constant movement towards a sustainable future. - Linda Schwager, Mayor, Oakland Borough, Bergen County

 

The Township of Franklin is so pleased to receive this generous award from Sustainable Jersey! As a longtime proponent of green infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainability, the Township will use this funding to create a well-planned Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study and implement at least one project from that Study. This Study will be reviewed frequently during planning, modification and design phases at our Township facilities and open spaces. The use of cleaner energy, conservation of natural resources and cost-savings associated with these projects will not only directly benefit our residents, businesses and visitors, but will serve as a model for stewardship, environmental education and resiliency. On behalf of Franklin Township, I extend my gratitude to Sustainable Jersey for this grant, their continued guidance and expertise, and their ever-present support and encouragement! - Phillip Kramer, Mayor, Franklin Township, Somerset County

 

QUOTES FROM SELECT $10,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

Maple Shade is honored to accept the $10,000 award for our Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) project. We are also beyond proud of our Sustainable Maple Shade Committee.  The dedicated and hardworking volunteers work endlessly at creating a cleaner more sustainable community for our residents.  With the help of this funding, Maple Shade will be able to complete the NRI which will enable us to identify important naturally occurring resources within our township. We look forward to the completion of this project and the information it will provide us as we work towards land conservation and future planning. - Claire Volpe, Mayor, Maple Shade Township, Burlington County

 

For several years now a community garden has been a project on paper that many residents have been excited about. Residents in condominiums, townhomes and apartments, and still hundreds of others that don't have space or sunlight on their property have expressed interest in participating and contributing to it. Startup costs range from $15k to $20k and therefore this grant will kick start site excavation, fencing and construction of raised beds in order to be prepared for next Spring's planting season.  The Township of Verona is so thankful for Sustainable Jersey's grant and the PSEG Foundation's generosity.  On behalf of the Township of Verona, we thank you! - Jack McEvoy, Mayor, Verona Township, Essex County

 

Readington Township would like to thank the PSEG Foundation for funding this grant and the Sustainable Jersey Selection Committee for choosing our Meadow Inventory and Management Plan application as the recipient for their $10,000 grant. Readington Township to date has preserved 2150 acres of Open Space with the purchase of over 100 properties. The properties are preserved from development and kept for the public use. These lands have been used for recreational purposes: providing parks, hiking + biking trails and horse trails. The balance of the lands are a natural resource providing buffers for stream corridors, habitat for wildlife and pollinators. The Township efforts have now turned to stewardship of these lands. We are supporting sustainable land use practices by protecting areas of high biodiversity, planting native trees and shrubs, planting warm season grasses, eradicating invasive species and adjusting our mowing schedules to allow for support of native flora and fauna and increase the benefits to native pollinators. The funds from this grant will allow Readington Township to hire Raritan Valley Community College students and faculty to conduct an inventory of the Meadows and make recommendations regarding better land use and restoration practices. The field inventory, biological surveys and data documentation will be the beginning of our stewardship program. This data will allow Readington Township to establish a plan to restore the meadows to a more natural condition and provide better habitat for wildlife and native pollinators. Our goal is to have these lands available in a natural and pristine state for generations to come. Thank You again for your generous grant. - Jonathan Heller, Mayor, Readington Township, Hunterdon County

 

West Windsor Township has demonstrated an advanced track record on environmental issues, balanced with economic and social interests, to create a great place to reside, along a more sustainable path.  In November, I charged our Environmental Commission to develop an education campaign in the community to foster improved awareness of the environmental harm caused by single-use plastic bags. We are grateful to Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for their assistance in facilitating this campaign, and the continued advancement of sustainable practices in our town, the State, and the world. - Hemant Marathe, Mayor, West Windsor Township, Mercer County

 

Hanover thanks Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation for this generous grant. Our community is dedicated to the sustainable uses of our environment. The Stoney Brook Municipal Farm & Garden, all organic, is just one example. This grant will provide Hanover opportunities to educate and encourage the recycling of more food waste into much needed compost. - Ron Francioli, Mayor, Hanover Township, Morris County

 

On behalf of all of our Borough Council Members and the residents of our Great Borough, I thank the dedicated members of our Green Team and Environmental Committee for their tireless work in preparing our grant application to Sustainable Jersey.   The volunteer work of our residents has earned us the coveted "Silver" status and this $10,000 grant will allow us to enhance recreation and learning opportunities for all of our residents and particularly for our seniors and those who may be mobility impaired. I applaud Sustainable Jersey for their wisdom in making this award and I commend all of their donors who make these grants possible. - E. Steven Doyle, Mayor, Island Heights Borough, Ocean County

 

QUOTES FROM SELECT $2,000 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NEW JERSEY COUNTY)

On behalf of the town of Merchantville and its sustainability volunteers, I’d like to thank Sustainable Jersey for their help with our efforts to create a resilient community, both through their ongoing support and this recent grant award. We look forward to working with our volunteers and Rutgers Environmental Stewards to create a community space for engagement and education in edible gardens, composting and native habitat. - Ted Brennan, Mayor, Merchantville Borough, Camden County

 

I want to thank Sustainable Jersey for their support of environmental projects in City of Vineland. This grant will assist the city, and a variety public and private partners, in helping to encourage sustainable living practices in every aspect of our daily life.  By doing so, we can reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive environmental impact within our community.  Thanks also to our Green Team members who are working hard to develop innovative programs to advance ongoing sustainability efforts. - Anthony Fanucci, Mayor, Vineland City, Cumberland County

 

The Sustainable Jersey Grant for the Artificial Floating Islands will play an important role in West Orange. Plant life will be permitted to grow their roots deep on three small ponds with deep roots in township history. These floating islands will add beauty and help us fulfill our role as responsible stewards of the environment. - Robert D. Parisi, Mayor, West Orange Township, Essex County

 

The West Orange Public Schools are so excited and appreciative to have been a part of the receipt of this grant in partnership with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the municipal government's Sustainable Jersey for the Township of West Orange. The Artificial Floating Islands project presents a myriad of innovative learning opportunities from Science, to Art, to Intergenerational programming. I can't wait to see this grant put into motion. - Dr. J. Scott Cascone, Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools, Essex County

 

Hopewell Township is honored to have been awarded this important grant money. We have several long-wished for projects in mind that these funds will support. Each of these projects has a focus on the destructive effects Styrofoam has on our environment and will help us make Hopewell Township a cleaner and healthier home for our residents and the other species with whom we share this special place. We are deeply grateful to Sustainable Jersey for recognizing Hopewell Township's efforts to preserve and protect our home in this way. - Kristin McLaughlin, Mayor, Hopewell Township, Mercer County

 

The Township of East Brunswick is so thankful for this grant from Sustainable Jersey. Opening up this Farmers Market has been a dream of ours for quite some time. In an age of food insecurity and in the backyard of so many farms, it seems like such an overdue marriage. Our residents are extremely excited about this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable environment all while enjoying the fruits of nature on their own tables. After all, we are the “Garden State”. - Brad Cohen, Mayor, East Brunswick Township, Middlesex County

 

I want to thank our green team and municipal staff for working together on this, and especially Sustainable Jersey for the grant opportunities that make these projects possible. Our re-useable water bottle filling station in the Recreation Center will be used by residents and visitors of all ages as they enjoy the many activities and events held there.  The reduction in single use plastic and the education that this initiative provides is a way to look forward in sustainability after the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. - Jonathan L. Hornik, Mayor, Marlboro Township, Monmouth County

 

The Middletown Green Team recently presented an Earth Week Challenge that was well-received and more than doubled the number of followers on Facebook. This grant funding will help them polish their image with a new logo design and provide creative giveaways to the community so they can continue to grow their brand and presence on social media and at local events. - Tony Perry, Mayor, Middletown Township, Monmouth County

 

The Borough of Red Bank is committed to protecting our cherished Navesink River, the ecosystem of our town and surrounding communities. Thanks to this grant from Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation, we're able to add yet another rain garden and rainwater harvester system that will help reduce the volume of polluted stormwater from entering our watershed. - Richard LaBarbiera, Mayor, Red Bank Borough, Monmouth County

 

We are so proud of the work that our Environmental Commission and Green Team are doing to benefit our community and we are grateful for this grant that will support the Environmental Commission's efforts to establish green practices in Bernardsville's food service businesses. This funding is particularly timely as one of the components of the project is to increase the use of sustainable take out containers. - Mary Jane Canose, Mayor, Bernardsville Borough, Somerset County

 

The Borough of Manville is very pleased to receive this generous award from Sustainable Jersey! We are so excited to put these funds to work in hosting a special series of “Diversity Discussions” for our community.  We hope to foster innovative ideas and strategic thought sharing in order to learn more about the needs and wants of our current and future residents. In summarizing our findings, we will be able to present a report along with a multi-cultural/generational art piece to be displayed at Borough Hall. Sustainable Jersey has been a major supporter to the Borough of Manville, and continues to inspire us with its expertise and guidance. We look forward to sharing this important study with our residents, business owners and fellow municipalities! - Richard Onderko, Mayor, Manville Borough, Somerset County

 

 

The support of Sustainable Jersey is invaluable to our newly invigorated local green team.  This grant is very welcome and allows us to bring the reduce, recycle, reuse message to our residents in a variety of tangible ways that would not otherwise be possible.  However, just as important are the resources and support Sustainable Jersey provides through their great website and Sustainable Jersey community.  We are very grateful. - Colleen Mahr, Mayor, Fanwood Borough, Union County

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