The Environmental Commission (EC) had a productive and exciting fall season. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these projects a success!
- October 6: In partnership with Van Derveer Elementary School, EC volunteers planted 175 native plants in the school courtyard and presented an educational assembly to more than 700 students.
- October 10: Volunteers contributed to beautification efforts at the Wallace House and parts of the Old Dutch Parsonage, supporting ongoing rehabilitation at these historic sites.
- October 11: Over 30 volunteers helped launch the Peters Brook Habitat Restoration Project by planting 186 native plants and 9 shrubs.
October 6: Van Derveer Elementary native plants garden
On October 6, the Environmental Commission partnered with Van Derveer Elementary School to plant 175 native plants in the school’s courtyard garden. This two-part initiative began with a virtual all-school assembly, reaching more than 700 students. Jason Goldman, from Flower to the People, presented the educational benefits of planting natives across two presentations tailored for students in grades Pre-K-1 and grades 2-5.
The following day, select students from each grade, Pre-K through 5th, joined Commission members in the courtyard to roll up their sleeves and help plant six garden beds. Over 140 of the plants were funded by a grant from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. Additional plants for a butterfly enclosure were secured through a partnership with SeedEd, a local nonprofit that promotes outdoor classrooms.
This effort marks an exciting step in connecting students with nature and providing hands-on learning experiences right on school grounds. The collaboration supports the Environmental Commission’s mission to engage the community through education, local projects, and environmental advocacy. The Commission looks forward to continuing this partnership with Van Derveer through ongoing garden maintenance and future educational events.
October 11: Peters Brook Habitat Restoration project
On Saturday, October 11, over 30 volunteers planted 186 native plants and 9 shrubs to kick off Phase 2 of the Peters Brook Habitat Restoration project. The 18-month restoration effort will focus on five designated sites along the greenway between North Bridge Street and Grove Street.
The project is funded through a grant from Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation.
Led by Environmental Commission Chair Timarie Diehl and Vice Chair Geoff Keiser, members of the Environmental Commission, Green Team, Girl Scouts and community volunteers of all ages gathered along the brook for a brief educational overview before rolling up their sleeves to plant and remove invasive species.
Diehl explained, “This project is so important because it will expand our pollinator and bird habitat, help absorb stormwater, stabilize the brook’s banks, increase biodiversity and better support the local ecosystem year-round.”
The restoration doesn’t stop here! Future plans include creating a shaded grove near the brook and establishing a pocket meadow to support pollinators and enhance the area’s natural beauty.
Updates
Stay tuned. More details on these projects will be shared soon!
Get involved
Additional volunteer opportunities will be offered in Spring 2026. Click here to join the Environmental Commission mailing list and stay informed.