#sustainableehc

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Egg Harbor City awarded $1 million tree maintenance grant

EGG HARBOR CITY – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Sept. 14 that the USDA Agriculture Service has awarded more than $1 billion in grants from the Inflation Reduction Act to plant and maintain trees to combat extreme heat, climate change and to improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs across the United States.

Egg Harbor City was awarded $1 million for its plan to hire a certified tree expert to provide maintenance for its aging street trees, monitor two city parks, plant trees on streets undergoing reconstruction, and develop a plan to remove invasive species from public and private lands. “We are beyond grateful for this grant award. The funding will provide a small city like ours the ability to properly maintain, restore, enhance and preserve our trees and forests for future generations to enjoy,” Mayor Lisa Jiampetti said. The U.S. Community Forestry Service awarded 385 grants from 842 applications requesting $6.4 billion in funding, an indication of the urgent need to plant and maintain urban trees across the nation. “The city’s urban tree canopy is in jeopardy because our trees are nearing the end of their lifespan, many have been removed during street reconstruction projects, and felled in major storm events,” said Councilwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, who also chairs SustainableEHC, the city’s green team and who advocated to apply for the grant. “This grant will provide the city with the funding needed to hire a certified tree expert to properly trim our street trees for health, safety and beauty, extending the lifespan of still-healthy trees that were planted in the rights-of-way of our avenues more than 80 years ago.” The grant comes after the green team conducted two major tree planting projects funded by the NJ Community Forestry Service that replaced 102 trees lost in the freak derecho storm of July 2012, and a recent project that planted 67 new street trees. The grant will also fund a plan to tackle invasive tree species on public and private property, such as the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the host tree for the dreaded spotted lanternfly. Community education and involvement is a key component of the city’s forestry management plan. The benefits of street trees are many, Galloway said, including providing wind breaks in winter, shade for pedestrians in summer and reduced home energy costs. They also provide shelter for wildlife, reduce crime, and increase property values. “Today’s landmark funding from the U.S. Forest Service will increase urban access to nature, improve air quality, keep city streets cool during sweltering summers, tackle the climate crisis, and create safer, healthier communities in every corner of America,” Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta said. “That makes a big difference for the grandmother who doesn’t have air conditioning, or the kid who has asthma, or the parent who works outside for 10 hours a day.” The announcement is part of the Biden administration’s effort to advance environmental justice and job creation. Egg Harbor City’s allotment of funding came through the Biden administration’s Justice 40 Initiative, which reserves 40% of funding opportunities for overburdened communities. 

​​SustainableEHC is Egg Harbor City’s green team, working to preserve the environment, adopt sustainable practices in the home and support local business, industry and farming.

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Tuckahoe WMA impoundments closed and more in environmental briefs

Egg Harbor City planted 100 trees on public property Thanksgiving week, thanks to a two–year effort by its Green Team, SustainableEHC. D&R Landscaping of Vineland planted trees at Lincoln Park, Key-Rec Field, the Charles L. Spragg School and Cedar Creek High School, according to the group. Read more http://ift.tt/2jcim1p Areas served: Winston-Salem, High Point, Yadkinville, Mocksville, Advance, Clemmons, Kernersville, Greensboro, Walnut Cove, Statesville, NC, North Carolina Services: House painting, roofing, deck building, landscaping, Carpentry, Flooring, tile, hardwood, remodeling, home improvement, interior, exterior

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The SustainableEHC green team Oct. 4 was awarded a $5,000 Atlantic City Electric Sustainable Communities grant. From left, AC Electric Director of External Affairs Kristin McEvoy, Egg Harbor City Mayor Lisa Jiampetti, Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon, EHC Chief Financial Officer and green team member Jodi Kahn, SustainableEHC Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, and SustainableEHC volunteers Michael Sheridan, Hazel Mueller and Rick Dovey.

Egg Harbor City awarded $5,000 Sustainable Communities grant

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, Oct. 4 was awarded a $5,000 Atlantic City Electric Sustainable Communities grant.

The grant was offered to green teams in the Atlantic City Electric coverage area to support the development of environmental, open space and resiliency projects across South Jersey. 

One-time grants of up to $5,000 each, were awarded to 10 municipalities to support nature preservation, safer parks, and enhanced resiliency for local communities. This funding was made available through the Sustainable Jersey program and awarded at a breakfast meeting for grant recipients hosted at the Teamsters 331 Union Hall in Egg Harbor City.

“We are so pleased to help our local communities bring these projects to fruition and to support in ways that will have lasting impacts on not only the community, but the environment as well,” Atlantic City Electric Director of External Affairs Kristin McEvoy said. “We remain steadfast in our climate goals and recognize supporting our communities through these grants will foster a cleaner and safer environment.”

SustainableEHC will use the grant to continue upgrades to City Lake Park by cleaning up the north shore area of the park, restoring the historic Sibbel Shaler gravesite and providing interpretive signage about the cultural and historical significance of the Shaler family.

“In our work to help communities thrive in the face of a changing climate, these funded projects will build local resilience and preserve natural resources,” Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said. “We're excited to partner with the Atlantic City Electric to produce actionable steps that address the state’s climate challenges and support a sustainable New Jersey.”

This year, Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey also awarded grants to the following municipalities:

Atlantic City ($5,000) – The grant will be used to support the development of the open space and recreation element of the City’s master plan.

Somers Point City ($5,000) – The grant will be used to update the landscaping and playground at local senior citizen center, including a temperature moderation project.

Commercial Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to purchase an osprey nature sign at the local park.

Maurice River Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to construct and install two large shade structures for the Delmont and Port Elizabeth Recreation areas.

Deptford Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to restore and rehabilitate the Fasola Park steps.

East Greenwich Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to redevelop Mickleton Park by removing invasive plants and develop a native plant nursey.

Upper Pittsgrove Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to enhance signage along Elephant Swamp Trail to improve safety and cleanliness of the trail and guide residents to connecting trails and parks.

Medford Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to develop a weather station and begin the second phase of a lightening detection system in the township to prepare residents for severe weather, save lives and reduce storm damage.

Long Beach Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to build a resilience and restoration demonstration display.

The Sustainable Communities Grant program is part of Atlantic City Electric’s Climate Commitment, a multi-faceted, action-oriented effort to help the state of New Jersey achieve its clean energy and climate goals. To date, Atlantic City Electric has provided $275,000 in grants supporting environmental, open space and resiliency efforts in the communities it serves.

More information on the Sustainable Communities Grant Program is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities.

To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online newsroom. 

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SustainableEHC awarded operational grant funds

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, has been awarded a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey grant funded through the PSEG Foundation. Egg Harbor City is one of 57 New Jersey municipalities to receive funds in this year’s round of funding.

Five $20,000 grants, 12 $10,000 grants and 40 $2,000 grants were distributed to recipients across 17 New Jersey counties for sustainability projects.

Egg Harbor City will use its funds to establish an e-newsletter to keep residents informed about community projects, events and opportunities, such as participating in a local community solar project that provides discounts on the cost of electricity. The green team also plans to update its Brownfields inventory and address animals in the community by partnering with the Atlantic County Humane Society to provide a low-cost chipping clinic.

The newly formed Port Republic Green Team also received a $2,000 start-up grant and will use a portion of its funding to create a community mural. Go Green Galloway was awarded a $10,000 grant to remove invasive species and create a pollinator garden at an underutilized park on Route 9.

“These sustainability projects will strengthen New Jersey by helping local communities become more livable, environmentally friendly and prosperous,” Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said in a release.

“PSEG cares about people and the planet, which is why we’re so proud to be a prime supporter of Sustainable Jersey,” PSEG Foundation President Calvin Ledford said, noting that the PSEG Foundation has contributed $3.1 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program over the past 12 years.

For more information or to join the effort to create a more sustainable community, see www.sustainableehc.org, SustainableEHC on Facebook, or call Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway at 609-965-5681.

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POSTPONED Belated Arbor Day Tree Planting

EGG HARBOR CITY - SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, will be having a belated Arbor Day Celebration, 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20 at Peace Pilgrim Park, 500-block London Ave.

The public is invited to join the team in planting a river birch tree near the serpentine creek in the park. River birch trees like to be near water and can be found in nature along streams and rivers in New Jersey.

The team will also be replanting the Mighty Salem Oak tree sapling in a larger vessel next door at City Hall. 

The oak sapling was presented to the city two years ago and is the progeny of the 500-year-old white oak tree that grew in a cemetery in Salem County. The the tree toppled over, mostly from old age, and the  New Jersey Forestry Service collected the acorns and planted them at a nursery. Saplings from the tree were presented to every municipalities in New Jersey.

When Egg Harbor City’s oak tree matures, it will be transplanted to an appropriate location where it can grow and provide beauty and shade, hopefully for as many years as its parent.

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Egg Harbor City awarded second $30,000 tree planting grant

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, has announced that Egg Harbor City is the recipient of a second $30,000 New Jersey Forestry Service Urban and Community Forestry Stewardship grant to plant new trees on city streets. It is the second tree planting grant the city has received from the Forestry Service.

The first grant totaling $30,000 was received in 2015 to plant 109 trees lost during the freak derecho storm of 2012. In that round of funding, trees were planted at Lincoln Park, the Charles L. Spragg Elementary School, Cedar Creek High School and along New York Avenue leading to the high school.

“These grants provide municipalities and counties with funds to assist with the implementation of forestry goals and objectives,” said Michael Martini of the Forestry Service.

“This grant will allow us to replant approximately 100 of the 200 street trees that were removed during road reconstruction projects over the last 10 years,” SustainableEHC Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said. “Affected residents will have the option of having a new tree planted in the right-of-way in front of their homes.”

Galloway said the city will conduct a mail survey of affected homeowners over the winter months to determine where the trees will be planted. Residents on the 500-block of Cincinnati Avenue, 600-block of Chicago Avenue, 200-blocks of San Francisco and London avenues, and the 100-blocks of Boston and London avenues will have the choice of a street tree species on the city’s pre-approved tree list and may select up to two trees based on conditions at the site. Plantings will take place in the fall of 2022.

The project will help the city maintain its existing tree canopy, a goal the green team has supported for years. Many of the city’s existing street trees are nearing the end of their lifespans and will need to be replaced as they are lost due to storms or disease, Galloway said.

Replacing street trees complies with the city’s effort toward sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint and enabling effective stormwater management. It also prevents the heat island effect and reduces energy costs for homeowners.

“The beauty of Egg Harbor City’s tree-lined streets must be preserved,” Mayor Lisa Jiampetti said thanking the NJ Forestry Service for supporting the city’s tree cover goal. “These tree planting projects will enhance the social, economic, visual and environmental well-being of our community.”

Some of the goals of the planting project are to diversify the city’s street tree species, educate the public about the benefits of planting trees, and promoting tree stewardship.

The city was also recently awarded a $5,000 Atlantic City Electric Resiliency Grant to label mature trees in Lincoln Park, located on the White Horse Pike near the NJ Transit rail station. The signage will contain the tree’s common and Latin names and list its properties and natural habitat. Labeling the trees will help residents decide which tree species they would like to plant on their properties.

The green team will also create a color brochure containing information about the various tree species, many of which are native to New Jersey, and hold an Arbor Day tree planting and tour of Lincoln Park on the last Friday in April 2022.

Residents can request a tree by emailing sustainableehc@eggharborcity.org. Learn more at sustainableehc.org.

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Egg Harbor City awarded AC Electric Sustainable Communities grant

EGG HARBOR CITY – Atlantic City Electric, through its program administrator Sustainable Jersey, has selected Egg Harbor City as one of 13 South Jersey municipalities to receive $75,000 in funds supporting open space and resiliency programs.

Egg Harbor City will receive a $5,000 Sustainable Communities grant to identify the soaring trees in Lincoln Park, located on the White Horse Pike near the NJ Transit rail station. The only other Atlantic County municipality to receive funding is Brigantine, which will use its $5,000 grant to convert a two-story beach observation deck into the Brigantine Environment and Community Hub (BEACH) with educational signage for flora and fauna observation.

“The projects benefiting from this funding provide direct support to our communities, through the conservation of critical open space, supporting recreational opportunities and building resilience in the face of a changing climate,” said Melissa Lavinson, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “We have a vested interest in the wellbeing and success of our communities. It’s what drives us. I’m excited to see these innovative projects in action, as well as the positive impacts they will have toward establishing a healthy environment and community.”

Members of SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, have identified approximately 20 species of mature trees in Lincoln Park. The project includes installation of signage that will provide the public with the Latin and common name of the species, many of which are native species, and information about the best places to plant them.

“I went to Lincoln Park to help the city’s Garden Club on a maintenance project and was mesmerized by the soaring trees, many of which are about 100-years old, and immediately thought residents should be able to identify them and learn more about their best habitats,” SustainableEHC Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said.

The green team plans to create a color brochure listing aspects of the various species and will hold a tour of the park when it plants a tree there on Arbor Day, April 29, 2022, she said.

The tree labeling program is part of the city’s ongoing tree replacement program, and will provide a visual aid when residents select a tree for planting on their property, Galloway said.

“If a resident wants to know what their tree will look like when it’s all grown up, all they have to do is go to Lincoln Park to see what it will look like,” she said.

This is the second Atlantic City Electric Sustainable Communities grant awarded to the city. The city was awarded a $10,000 grant last year to shore up the bulkhead at the Egg Harbor City Lake Park. The city anticipates the work will be done in early 2022 when the NJDEP allows the lake to be lowered enough to do the work.

“We would like to thank Sustainable Jersey and Atlantic City Electric for providing these funds that will help make Egg Harbor City a more sustainable place to enjoy,” Mayor Lisa Jiampetti said. “These funds will allow for more trees to be planted and help residents learn more about the trees in our city.”

The city is currently accepting requests for trees to be planted along the curb line. Contact SustainableEHC at info@sustainbleehc.org.

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EHC plans meaningful Arbor Day event

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, will be holding a brief but meaningful Arbor Day ceremony at noon, Friday, April 30 in front of Egg Harbor City Hall, 500 London Ave.

The city will plant a weeping redbud tree in front of City Hall in memory of the residents who have died from COVID-19. According to the Atlantic County Health Department, 504 Egg Harbor City residents have tested positive for the virus, which has claimed the lives of 11 citizens.

“Planting this native weeping redbud tree will ensure they are remembered for years to come,” green team Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said.

In addition to the tree planting, the city will introduce residents to the precious gift it received from the New Jersey Forestry Service Big Tree Conservation Program of a sapling derived from the “mighty” Salem white oak tree. The foot-tall sapling was grown from an acorn of the 565-year-old white oak tree that tradition tells us shaded Lenni Lenape tribal leaders when they signed a treaty with John Fenwick in 1675. The tree stood in the burial grounds of the Religious Society of Friends, Salem County’s first meetinghouse, until it toppled over on June 6, 2019. The Forestry Service is distributing saplings to every municipality in New Jersey.

The sapling will be planted at City Hall in a concrete planter donated by business owners Jeff and Deborah Gabris of Garden Creations, where it will grow until it is large enough to be planted in a city park.

The families of those who died from COVID-19 and the public are invited to attend the tree planting and sapling dedication. Social distancing and mask wearing are required.

For more information, contact SustainableEHC at 609-457-2514, or visit sustainableehc.org.

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Sustainable EHC tree planting project takes root                 

EGG HARBOR CITY — After two years of planning, a tree-planting project took root last week at city schools and parks.

D & R Landscaping of Vineland planted trees at Lincoln Park, Key-Rec Field, the Charles L. Spragg School and Cedar Creek High School the days before and after Thanksgiving, Nov. 22 and 24.

The project is being funded through a $30,000 Community Stewardship Incentive Program grant awarded to the city’s green team in 2016 by the New Jersey Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program.

“We wanted to replace all the street trees we lost during the derecho,” green team Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said in a press release. “After two years of planning and overcoming obstacles, we are so happy to finally see new trees planted in these locations.”

The freak straight-line windstorm felled 109 street trees in the city on June 29, 2015, Galloway said.

The city qualified for the grant because it has a comprehensive community forestry plan, which includes an ongoing street-tree inventory that is maintained and updated annually by green team volunteer and former Stockton professor Dick Colby. The inventory identifies every street tree in the city, along with its species and condition, Galloway said.

“A comprehensive community forestry program provides environmental, social and economic benefits,” New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Program coordinator Carrie Sargeant said when the grant was announced.

“Communties with approved community forestry management plans are not only providing their residents with benefits now, but creating communities that are providing these benefits for generations to come,” she said.

Trees planted at the rear of Lincoln Park include swamp oaks, sweetbay magnolias, winter king hawthorns and October Glory maple trees. October Glory maples were also planted along the Buffalo Avenue side of Key-Rec Field, and zelkova shade trees and two blue spruce trees were planted at the Spragg School. Plantings at the high school include several zelkovas, magnolias, red maples and pine trees.

More trees will be planted in spring, Galloway said.

“The tree planting plan developed by our landscape architect at Remington and Vernick Engineers, called for installation of flowering rebud and cherry trees,” Galloway said. “However, native New Jersey rebuds any cherry trees have a severe fall dig hazard, so they will be planted in spring before they bloom.”

Twenty-eight redbuds will be planted along the New York Avenue entrance to the high school, Galloway said.

“The redbud and maple trees planted along the road will provide beautiful color in spring and fall,” she said. “I’m sure it will be a welcoming sight for students and visitors to the high school.”

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SustainableEHC to host Spring Environmental Series

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, will host its third annual Spring Environmental Series, which includes four free sessions in April and May.

“We are delighted to be able to provide valuable information about how to preserve the city’s fragile environment, but also have a little fun along the way,” Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said.

The lineup of events includes:

·     Talking Trash with the ACUA, April 9 – Recycle this, trash that. Learn what’s up with the new recycling regulations and what’s prompting the changes.

·     Tree Summit, April 30 – Discuss how to preserve the city’s street trees and plant new trees on your property through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Canopy Program. Representatives of Atlantic City Electric will discuss procedures for trimming and removing trees along service lines, and forester Ron Farr will present the city’s Community Forestry Management Plan.

·     Caring for Orchids, May 7 – Third-generation orchid grower Beth Davis of Waldor Orchids of Linwood will give tips on creating great orchid culture and provide a hands-on potting demonstration. Orchids will be available for purchase ($18-40) perfect for Mother’s Day gift giving.

·     Container and Small Space Gardening, May 28 –Horticulture Manager Belinda Chester of the Atlantic County Master Gardener program will provide information about how to create great gardens in small spaces. Second half of the program includes a Pot Party in Peace Pilgrim Pilgrim Park, weather permitting. Bring a 10- to 12-inch pot for planting. We’ll provide the rest.

All events will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Egg Harbor City Hall, 500 London Ave. Light refreshments and giveaways.

The events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register today at SustainableEHC.org or call 609-457-2514 for more information.

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They’re here…the dreaded spotted lanternfly!

EGG HARBOR CITY – The invasive spotted lanternfly has made its way from where it was first cited in Pennsylvania all the way to the shores of Absecon Island.

Attend a Zoom meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 to learn more about this beautiful but deadly insect and what you can do to protect NJ crops and vineyards. Belinda Chester of Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program will present information and answer questions.

Email info@sustainableehc to obtain meeting access information or call 609-457-2514.

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Egg Harbor City to hold annual rabies vaccination clinic

EGG HARBOR CITY – The city will hold its annual Rabies Clinic 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 27 at the Public Works garage, 1001 Chicago Ave. Social distancing protocols and mask wearing are required.

The rabies clinic is the first in a series of actions focusing on animals in the community. SustainableEHC’s series titled, “Pet Parenting 101,” will include several events and announcements geared toward keeping pets and families safe and healthy.

The vaccinations are free, and residents can obtain their annual animal license at the same time. Licensing fees are $8 for spayed/neutered animals and $11 if not spayed/neutered. Licensing fees help fund rabies clinics and animal control efforts.

The campaign to keep rabies out of the city’s pet population is succeeding thanks to immunization of cats and dogs. Rabies can be fatal if it is transmitted to humans and not treated. Almost all human cases of rabies were fatal until Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed the vaccine in 1865. Today, deaths from rabies are rare.

Rabies in cats accounted for 90% of domestic animal cases in New Jersey, and for the last five years, there has been an average of 16 cats infected with rabies annually. Most rabies cases are found in wild animals such as raccoons and skunks, which can transmit the virus to household pets, and potentially to humans, so it is important to make sure your pets are vaccinated against the disease.

The first rabies case of 2021 in Atlantic County was confirmed Feb. 17 after a raccoon collected from a property on the 300-block of Sooys Landing Road in Port Republic tested positive. The raccoon had killed several chickens and chased the homeowner when approached. The Atlantic County Division of Public Heath determined there was no human exposure but reminded residents to protect their pets against rabies.

Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered, therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated animals or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended.

Public health officials also advise residents to teach their children to stay away from wild, stray, or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. All bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971.

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Egg Harbor City, Mullica Township partner on shredding event

Egg Harbor City and Mullica Township will be holding a Shredding Event, 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 6 in the parking lot of the old Crossfire Bar and Grill on the corner of 1st Terrace and the White Horse Pike.

The event, which is supported by the Sustainable Mullica and EHC green teams and funded in part by the NJ Clean Communities program, provides residents with the opportunity to safely dispose of personal documents containing sensitive information that if not disposed of properly could result in identify theft or fraud. 100% of the shredded paper will be recycled.

Residents can bring their confidential papers to site, where Public Works employees will assist in moving boxed or bagged materials to the highly secure mobile shredding unit. Only paper documents will be accepted. No magazines will be accepted. Please refrain from using binder clips, metal clasp binders and plastic bags, and leave no trash at the site.

For more information, see SustainableEHC.org.

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SustainableEHC plans Tree Summit

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, will be holding a Tree Summit, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at Egg Harbor City Hall, 500 London Ave., to discuss and share information about the city’s tree canopy.

Following the removal of more than 75 mature trees to accommodate new streetscape projects, green team members are holding the summit to discuss how the city can restore its tree canopy by planting new street trees and share information about how residents can obtain free native trees to plant on their properties.

“The city is known for its tree lined streets,” SustainableEHC Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said. “It’s important to maintain the city’s character, enable wildlife to have a home in native trees, and assist homeowners with the cost of energy by planting shade trees in the right location.”

The prior City Council administration removed all the street trees during streetscape projects over the last five years and did not replace them. The recently-seated City Council has changed how the city conducts its streetscape projects and will maintain existing tree cover to the greatest extent possible and only remove trees that are diseased or dangerous, Galloway said.

“This is good news for those who enjoy the beauty mature trees provide, but even better news for residents who reap the benefits of having tree-lined streets and shade trees that reduce their home energy costs,” Galloway said. “It will also help the city get the most bang for the buck when planning new street improvement projects.”

The summit will include a preview of the city’s most recent Community Forestry Management Plan prepared by forester Ron Farr of Farr Forestry Services of Newfoundland. The grant-funded study details how the city should maintain its tree canopy over the next several years. Having the CFMP enables the city to apply for new grants to fund future tree plantings and maintenance.

The city was the recipient of a $30,000 grant to replace the 109 street trees lost in the freak derecho storm of 2012. Beautiful new trees, many of them native species, have been planted at the rear of Lincoln Park, Charles L. Spragg School and along New York Avenue leading to Cedar Creek High School. The city is currently within the two-year maintenance period and will be eligible to apply for new grants after the maintenance period ends.

The summit will also include an overview of how Atlantic City Electric, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, trims trees to ensure the safety of its delivery system and its workers. Ken Mosca, the company’s liaison for local government and community relations, and Brittany Peterson of the Vegetation Management group, will share information about the electrical power grid delivery system and how important it is to plant the right tree in the right location.

Finally, the green team will share information about an Arbor Day Foundation program that can provide free trees to residents, along with an interactive online application that helps residents cite a pre-approved tree species on their property that provides the greatest energy savings.

Refreshments will be served. The summit is free, but registration is required.

The summit is the second in a series of free programs in the green team’s third annual Spring Environmental Series.

Upcoming programs include caring for orchids with third generation orchid grower Beth Davis of Waldor Orchids of Linwood on May  7, the Tuesday before Mother’s Day. A limited number of orchid plants will be available for purchase ($18-40).

For the final program in the series on Tuesday, May 28, Atlantic County Master Gardener Horticulture Manager Belinda Chester will give an overview of gardening in small spaces, focusing on vegetable gardening in containers, raised beds and vertical gardening.A “Pot Party,” which includes planting your own container garden, will be held in Peace Pilgrim Park following the presentation. Plants and soil will be available, but you must bring your own pot. All events start at 6:30 p.m. at Egg Harbor City Hall.

Register for all events at www.sustainableehc.org/events or call 609-457-2514 for more information.

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Egg Harbor City receives $10,000 grant for solar feasibility study

EGG HARBOR CITY – The city was one of 10 municipalities and two public school districts selected to receive Sustainable Jersey grants funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund. Grant awards were announced on Jan. 30. 

Two $30,000 grants and 10, $10,000 grants were distributed to fund proposals for electric vehicle infrastructure and innovative energy efficiency projects and educational programs in municipal buildings and school facilities. Egg Harbor City will use the funding to conduct a feasibility study to install solar energy systems on city properties. It was the only Atlantic County municipality to receive funding in this grant cycle.

“We’re giving local communities the help they need to drive down energy costs and emissions,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “These grant recipients demonstrate leadership and a commitment to advancing climate action that will help New Jersey meet more ambitious targets moving forward toward a low-carbon future.”

Egg Harbor City will engage Remington, Vernick and Walberg engineers to conduct a solar feasibility study and create a plan to procure and install solar panels at city-owned buildings. This initiative will lead to future solar installation projects that will help save taxpayer dollars and reduce Egg Harbor City's carbon footprint.

“SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, has been conducting projects over the last five years that reduce the city’s carbon footprint, such as encouraging residents to weatherproof their homes, replacing 100 trees lost during the derecho storm of 2012, and sharing information about water conservation by installing rain barrels and planting native species. Now, it’s time for the city to do something meaningful to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels,” Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said.

Egg Harbor City Chief Financial Officer Jodi Kahn, who applied for the grant, said if the city is able to install solar panels, it will greatly advance the city’s ability to conserve energy.

“It could potentially offset much of the city’s electric usage and significantly reduce our electricity cost,” Kahn said.

The Gardinier Environmental Fund is committed to conserving the Earth’s energy resources and enhancing renewable energy measures, Gardinier Environmental Fund President Gene Wentzel said.

“We are proud to stand alongside Sustainable Jersey, and to continue to fund worthy projects that support our mutual goals in New Jersey.”

This year Sustainable Jersey is celebrating its 10thanniversary and a decade of impact, including the implementation of creative energy projects funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund grants.

Since 2009, the Sustainable Jersey grants program has distributed more than $4.9 million to New Jersey schools and municipalities to help make their communities more livable, environmentally friendly and prosperous.

Galloway said the green team is planning new programs for its annual Spring Environmental Series which will focus on educating the public about new recycling rules and encouraging the planting of trees. A Green Drinks event will be held at a local restaurant to encourage discussion about environmental issues.

Information about upcoming programs and events can be found at sustainableehc.org.

[sustainableehc]

SustainableEHC offers residents savings on the cost of home energy

EGG HARBOR CITY – SustainableEHC, the city’s green team, is partnering with NJ Comfort Partners and Green Life Energy Solutions to save residents on the cost of home energy. Homeowners and renters are invited to attend a special program 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3 at Egg Harbor City Hall, 500 London Ave., to learn how the free installation of energy-saving measures can lower home energy bills.

The NJ Comfort Partners program is funded through New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Clean Energy Program. Green Life Energy Solutions of Egg Harbor Township is the local provider of the service.

The program provides eligible homeowners with energy efficient lightbulbs, low-flow shower heads, energy efficient refrigerators and set-back thermostats, insulation upgrades, duct sealing and repair, heating and cooling equipment and personalized energy education counseling. Energy efficiency measures are provided free of charge by Certified Building Performance Institute contractors.

“There are so many homeowners in Egg Harbor City, including many senior citizens, who simply cannot afford to make these home improvements on their own, so it is beneficial for them to get this work done for free by qualified contractors,” SustainableEHC Chairwoman Nanette LoBiondo Galloway said.

The overall goal is to give homeowners a break on the cost of these home improvements while reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint. Participants should see substantial savings on their gas and electric bills as well, Galloway said.

NJ Comfort Partners has helped more than 108,000 families since the program started in 2001. The program is available until June 30 or while funds last.

Energy saving solutions are available to households with an income at or below 225 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Singles with a total income below $27,135 and families of four with a household income less than $55,350 are eligible. Households that that do not meet the guidelines but receive USF, HEAP, Lifeline, TANF, SSI and or PAAD may also be eligible.

“Green Life Energy Solutions representatives will be available at the meeting to help residents sign up for this innovative service,” Galloway said.

Those who sign up can start saving money immediately by taking home a free LED lightbulb while supplies last.

Watch a short video and register in advance at www.sustainableehc.org. For more information, call 609-965-5681.