The Borough of Somerville was selected to receive a $20,000 grant, funded by the PSEG Foundation, to plant trees and restore vital riparian habitat along Peters Brook! Sustainable Jersey presented the grant check to Helene Venizelos and Timarie Diehl, of the Environmental Commission, at a June 6 announcement event held at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.
“This project will help strengthen the connection between our community and the natural environment that runs through it,” said Timarie Diehl, chair of the Environmental Commission. “We will replace turf grass with diverse native plantings to reduce erosion, support pollinators and wildlife, and create a more resilient and vibrant greenway.”
“We’re proud that this will be a volunteer-driven effort, engaging the public in meaningful environmental stewardship while reconnecting our community to this often-overlooked natural resource,” Diehl added.
Sustainable Jersey awarded six $20,000 grants, thirteen $10,000 grants, and thirty-one $2,000 grants to communities across 18 counties. “Congratulations to the schools and towns receiving grants. Thank you for building positive momentum on the ground, in your communities,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “These grants continue to lead to meaningful projects that help make New Jersey more livable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous.”
About the PSEG Foundation
Over the past 14 years, the PSEG Foundation has contributed more than $5.1 million to the Sustainable Jersey programs, strengthening its legacy of community investment and environmental leadership. Of that support, $3.7 million was distributed in grants directly to New Jersey municipalities and public schools.
“Our partnership with Sustainable Jersey is incredibly important to us. By combining our efforts and shared commitment to supporting young people, we’re able to fund programs that promote environmental education and inspire the next generation,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation and director of PSEG Corporate Social Responsibility. “A sustainable New Jersey starts with our youth — cultivating creativity, fostering responsibility and community. These are actions PSEG has championed for over 120 years. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients for moving us all toward a cleaner future.”
Grant proposals were reviewed and selected by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee. These grants not only support innovative, community-driven projects, but also help recipients advance toward Sustainable Jersey certification.
About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability initiatives. In the face of critical challenges, such as the climate crisis, environmental pollution and a widening equity divide, Sustainable Jersey empowers New Jersey municipalities and schools to be part of the solution.
To date, participants have successfully implemented and documented over 27,900 sustainability actions, and the program has awarded more than $8.4 million in grants to support community-based projects that build healthier, more sustainable futures across the state.