Egg Harbor Township Environmental Commission

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking

we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

Achievements for 2015 

                Our primary goal this year was to complete the draft of the “significant” tree ordinance to protect the Township’s largest and oldest trees. A preliminary draft of this ordinance had been submitted to Peter Miller for review.  The Planning Board reviewed the initial draft and requested a more thorough document. This was completed and submitted to Peter Miller in November 2015. While all of the members of the Commission contributed to the draft, I would especially like to thank Nick Fasola for organizing all of the data that was collected.

               We would still like to offer lectures/workshops to increase public awareness of environmental issues.  We need our chairs to be replaced to facilitate the use of the Arboretum. The EHT Nature Reserve Board of Trustees indicated that they would be responsible for chair replacement since they disposed of our old chairs. Budget constraints limit the use of the Community Center on weekends.

                We want to continue our involvement in the development of the EHT Nature Reserve.  As our liaison to the Nature Reserve Board of Trustees, Nick Fasola keeps the Commission members apprised of any projects being planned. The Commission members assist as they are able. I have to say that I was disappointed to hear that there are those who feel that the Commission is not doing enough at the park. I disagree and I won’t review old information. I will say that the Commission has yet to become the “stewards” of the Nature Reserve. Again, we are willing to assist with projects at the Reserve as we are able. The Nature Reserve Board needs only to ask.

               Nick maintains the equipment at the Arboretum.

               In May 2015, Dalton Scheeler completed the construction of a rain garden at the Arboretum. The rain garden is his Eagle Scout project and is located near the steps in the parking area. He did a beautiful job and we are proud to have been a part of his project. Dalton will be awarded the honor of Eagle Scout on February 13, 2016.

                We will also continue our various projects and duties as outlined in our Goals for 2016. 

submitted by Kim Johnston. Chair

Bluebird count of fledglings for 2015

132 Eastern bluebirds chicks banded and fledged

8 Tufted titmice chicks fledged

17 Tree swallows chicks fledged

14 Chickadees chicks fledged