Happy Holidays

Bellow are some warm messages that I received and I would like to share with you. Have a wonderful holiday season and a very 'Green' New Year!
Best wishes, Gloria Machnowski

From the Verona Park Conservancy

Dear Verona Park Conservancy Members & Friends,
As we close the books on 2009 I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the vital role we all played in the park this year. We are enormously proud and we hope you are as well of the progress we are making - your continued support and effort is the engine of our success. Attached please find our 2009 year in review.
We wish you all Happy Holidays

From Lisa Simms, Director of the NJ Tree Foundation

Dear Tree Planters,
Celebrate 12 Years of Planting Trees in New Jersey! For the 12th consecutive year, the NJ Tree Foundation is offering free one- to two-year-old trees to Celebrate Arbor Day in New Jersey. An information sheet, application form and Training Schedule are attached. Deadline for the application is February 26, 2010.

In twelve short years, the NJTF's Celebrate Arbor Day! program has planted over 123,000 trees in parks, schools, and public spaces across New Jersey. Be a part of the fun! Hope you apply!

From the New Jersey Conservation Foundation

We offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all supporters and friends of conservation. This year alone, with the help of our members, friends and conservation partners, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has helped protect more than 1,650 acres of forests, farmland and watersheds throughout the Garden State.

Also this year, New Jersey voters approved a measure to replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust, the critical fund that helps purchase land to maintain open space, protect clean water sources, create city parks and playgrounds, preserve farmland, and save historic landmarks. It was a great vote of confidence in conservation and the future of our state!

Conserving land makes this a better state for all of us, not just today, but for generations to come.

We're grateful for your help and partnership, and to wish you a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

My Verona NJ

There is a great new website with "local-news-now" in Verona.
MyVeronaNJ has been created by Julia Martin Langan and Virginia Citrano, Verona residents and journalists. Julia Martin Langan has been on the staff of Money, Sports Illustrated, Bride’s and Redbook magazines. Her articles appear in a variety of national publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, Parents, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Self and Family Circle. Virginia Citrano wrote and edited for The Wall Street Journal’s European edition, Institutional Investor, Crain’s New York Business and Forbes.com. A recent graduate of Rutgers University’s Environmental Stewards program, she serves on the board of the Verona Environmental Commission. Currently she contributes to a variety of publications and Web sites, including USAirways‘ inflight magazine, and consults on social media.

Visiting MyVeronaNJ I read "Don’t Pitch That Cell Phone"

The organizers of Verona High’s Project Graduation, Class of 2011, are asking for donations of used, broken or unwanted cell phones. This is a win-win: The donated phones will raise funds so that the current junior class can enjoy a supervised, alcohol- and drug-free celebration with their classmates on the night of their graduation. Another plus: The unwanted phones won’t end up in landfills, where chemicals from their batteries can leach into groundwater. Cell phone drop-off boxes are currently available at the Verona Community Center, Verona Library and Verona High School.

Go to http://myveronanj.com to read many more great articles.

McClellan Old Growth Forest

A friend from West Orange sent me the following information:

Seton Hall Prepatory School is asking the West Orange, NJ Zoning Board to approve six (6) variances so that they may begin Phase 2 of their "Kelly Athletic Fields" expansion. The construction of these sports fields translates into the destruction of over 1,000 trees which make up the McClellan Old Growth Forest, located on Prospect Avenue in West Orange. This 17-acres of inhabited, forested land are a part of what was originally a 44-acre Old Growth Forest, and includes trees with ages in excess of 200-years, and animals including the Great Horned Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Red Fox. It is a part of the Watchung Ridge, which connects Eagle Rock Reservation and South Mountain Reservation.

I visited the link provided and learned that close to 400 people already signed a petition to protect this last remaining, unprotected Old Growth Forest in the Metropolitan Region. http://new.ipetitions.com/petition/stoptheprep/

According to Bruce Kershner, a forest ecologist and nationally recognized expert on ancient forests who conducted a survey of the area on November, 2002:

In summary, Seton Hall Prep School’s Governor George Brinton McClellan Estate is populated by outstanding Old Growth trees, including two groves of Old Growth Forest covering several acres.

Approximately 50 individual Old Growth trees, with their huge spreading crowns, form a canopy over much of this forested acreage. The Old Growth trees include the following species: Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, American Beech, Tulip Tree, White Oak, Black Oak and Red Maple. In addition, 25 other tree species grow on the site, totaling of 33 species of trees. This makes the site a remarkably diverse community of trees, especially over such a relatively limited acreage.

Ages of the Old Growth trees range from 150years to 240 years old (meaning germination dates back to 1760). Though not measured, many of the oaks and tulip trees soared to notably great heights, possibly to 120 feet, far taller than 99% of forests in New Jersey.

To put the Old Growth Forest in context, there are only 14 documented sites of Old Growth Forest in New Jersey (comprising only 1/100th of 1 per cent of the state’s area). Seven of those sites are located within New Jersey’s portion of the New York City Metropolitan Area.

The Governor George Brinton McClellan Estate Old Growth Forest is the only unprotected – and endangered – Old Growth Forest site within New Jersey’s part of the Metropolitan Area. In addition to the notable Old Growth Forest, the property is also remarkable for its historic value. On several acres of the site, the arboretum and gardens of Governor George Brinton McClellan still persist.

His complete report is available on line by clicking here. Mr. Kershner died on February 16, 2007 in Cheektowaga, NY. His knowledge and passion about the natural environment will be greatly missed.

Verona's Exhibit at ECEC

Two weeks ago I was confirmed by Verona's Town Manager, Mayor and Council Members as an official member of the Verona Environmental Commission. I wanted to share this wonderful news and my commitment as a volunteer. I've been involved in many projects with the VEC since I first met them back in June asking why there were no "No Idling" signs at my daughter's school. I quickly realize that constructive work is needed and if you are willing to help you are very welcomed in Verona to do so. We made a presentation about vehicle idling, and a poster contest. We exhibited the posters at the schools and at the Verona Library. The Award Ceremony took place at Town Hall and of course, we got the signs at the school. Now we organized an exhibit at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Please see the information below, I hope you can make it!

Please make sure to visit the Essex County Environmental Center and celebrate the season! Place: 621B Eagle Rock Avenue, in Roseland, NJ

“Idle Free Verona Poster Exhibit”: Artwork submitted to the VEC’s contest by students from all four Public Elementary Schools in Verona will be on display from Saturday, November 21st through Saturday, December 19th at the Essex County
Environmental Center (ECEC). www.veronaec.org

“Third Annual Give Green Holiday Gift Fair”: Promote conservation while doing your holiday shopping. Nature Crafts for kids such as pine cone turkeys and pressed clay ornaments. Saturday, November 21st from 11 am to 4 pm at the ECEC.Click here to see the flyer.

“Fourth Annual Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit”: A wonderful project that incorporates the mission to raise awareness about nature with a holiday theme. Registration Deadline November 23rd. On Exhibit at the ECEC from December 1-18, 9 am to 5 pm M-F; 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. Awards Ceremony: Saturday, December 19 @ 9:30 am. Read here the contest and exhibit details.


For more information please call 973-228-8776 or visit www.essexcountynj.org

Refrigerator Recycling Rebates

Bellow is an announcement about a recycling program that makes your life easier, get rid of clutter in an environmentally friendly way.

This program provides a $30 reward and free pick up of old refrigerators and freezers for New Jersey residents. These old units are not only wasting energy, but money as well -up to $150 a year. And, through this program, NJCEP (in partnership with JACO Environmental) safely recycles 95% of each unit. That means these units aren't going into landfills or back on the secondary market, but are being turned into items we use everyday, such as cell phones and laptops. Residents can make an appointment for a free pick up by calling 1-877-270-3520 or visiting www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

Your own letters

Yesterday Mr. Balestro, a Verona resident, presented the petition to save the healthy public tree located at 16 South Prospect Street. He read the petition signed by more than 100 residents at the Council Meeting in Town Hall. He finished saying:

Therefore we, the undersigned, respectfully petition to have the public tree at 16 South Prospect Street professionally pruned instead of removing it. We also suggest doing the pruning under the supervision of a qualified arborist who could provide the township with appropriate documentation to avoid further liability issues. The town can not be held liable if this healthy tree is properly pruned. Please save the mature healthy trees of Verona.

Mrs. Burnham, a biologist and Verona resident who collected the signatures and also appeared on Channel 12 news defending the tree, asked the Town Manager to reconsider. But Mr. Joe Martin explained that unfortunately the liability issues went already too far (due to two insurance claims from Mrs. Eileen Mc Girr, the property owner of the dental office at 16 S. Prospect Street). He concluded that the decision was made and the tree will be removed. Three trees will be planted in its place after installing a new sidewalk.

I showed the posted picture of children from the neighborhood (my 2 kids included) with the sign "Save This Healthy Tree" at 16 South Prospect Street. I explained that people get very attached to their street trees and that we could avoid removing healthy trees and liability issues with the help of an arborist. Mrs. Burnham also requested to stay away from monoculture when replanting trees.

Our Town Manager answered by requesting the Town Engineer, Mr. Helb, to coordinate with the Shade Tree Commission members the planting of different types of appropriate trees in that location. And he added that starting IMMEDIATELY Verona will have an arborist in the staff working in conjunction with the Shade Tree Commission.

I am not glad with the news of the tree coming down. There are innocent victims in all conflicts, in this case is the 16 S. Prospect Sycamore tree. The good news is that because of this tree and all the support from neighbors Verona will have an arborist to help the volunteers in the Shade Tree Commission take care of the many mature trees in town; giving them proper maintenance and preventing liability matters.

Not everybody knows that all of these commissions in Verona are run by volunteers in their spare time and they do need our support and help. This is certainly a big step in the right direction.

Below are some of the many letters that you sent to this blog to save this tree, your efforts are not in vain:
1)

Please save the Sycamore public tree located at 16 S. Prospect Street in Verona. As a Verona resident of more than 20 years, I am appalled by the wanton cutting down of centuries old trees. Please use the Public Works budget to maintain the beauty of Verona!
Thank you, Joseph Campisi

2)

I am writing in support of the Verona Trees organization in their efforts to preserve the mature trees in our town. I agree that no tree should be removed unnecessarily, and that everything be done to prevent their removal, beginning with assessments by qualified professionals. Surely the effort to properly prune a tree cannot be much more involved that simply cutting it down.

In the case of the Sycamore tree at 16 So. Prospect St., who has determined that cutting it down is the only course of action? If in fact, the tree can be saved with judicious pruning and care, then simply cutting it down is unconscionable. No one wants trees on our streets that are not healthy and safe, but we must make the care of older trees a priority.
Sincerely,
Joanne Ricci

3)

I am a resident of Verona who regularly travels S. Prospect Street.
I write to urge the town arborists to SAVE the Sycamore tree living near 16 S. Prospect by effecting it's proper pruning and saving this nearly 100 year old life.

The concerns of a local resident who fears for the paint job of a car that will likely be scrapped in a few short years, should not abridge the right to life of a beautiful and sturdy deciduous plant that will add oxygen, shade and quiet to a lovely neighborhood, and which survives on PUBLIC land. (Picture this street corner, if you will, without this stately tree!)

As the granddaughter of a former "Tree Warden" from a hamlet in Western Massachusetts, I am constantly chagrined and saddened to observe the attitude of New Jersey locals regarding the stripping of tree life from their neighborhoods. Compare, if you will, the streets of lower Bloomfield, where hardly a large tree stands to "inconvenience" the homeowners there, to the stately arbored streets of Montclair. Drive through either neighborhood on a hot summer day, and note the difference in the levels of heat, road dust, and noise. The trees of Montclair are a buffer against the insults of modern life! They improve our own quality of life, and ultimately, the home values of any neighborhood where they are allowed to thrive. If the whims of a few are chronically allowed to usurp the public good, before long, Verona will resemble the barren neighborhoods to our East.

Moreover, removing a life form that has already outlived any of its human neighbors, which poses no real risk, (and whose majestic historical growth could never be replaced), would be a crime against the generations who will follow us. Please spare this Sycamore for those who would continue to appreciate its sacred presence!

Yours sincerely,
Lynn Moore Chase

4)

I saw the editorial in the Verona paper and wanted to pledge my support for the sycamore tree!

This concerned property owner should know that trees can add thousands of dollars to a home's value and increase its curb appeal.

I also think it's wonderful that the children in this picture care to make a difference in their neighborhood and appreciate the beauty and importance of mature trees.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do to provide further support.
Maggie Rowan

Save a Healthy Tree

The pictured tree is almost one hundred year old. It is a beautiful Sycamore public tree located at 16 S. Prospect Street in Verona.

Platanus occidentalis is readily identifiable with broad, maplelike leaves and a trunk and limb complexion of mixed green, tan and cream. Some suggest it looks like camouflage. It is a member of one of the planet's oldest clan of trees (Platanaceae) and paleobotanists have dated the family to be over 100 million years old. Living sycamore trees can reach ages of five hundred to six hundred years. The deciduous sycamore is fast growing and sun-loving.

Last October the 11th a NJ Certified Tree Expert inspected this tree (ISA Certified Arborist, former parks superintendent with Masters Degree in Botany) and reported that the tree is a healthy and sturdy sycamore that only needs a professional pruning.

But this public treasure is at risk of being taken down within two weeks! A property owner is concerned about falling branches that scratched her car and says it could happen again. The residents trying to save the tree understand those concerns but point out that there is no need to remove healthy trees to avoid branches from falling. It takes several years for tree branches to die and fall. That is why we encourage having the tree professionally pruned.

Join us to save a healthy tree while supporting our authorities working on this matter and addressing the concerns of the property owner at 16 S. Prospect Street. If you support this initiative, please e-mail us at veronatrees@gmail.com

Thank you!

Clean-Up Rescheduled

Fall Cleanup at Verona Park: Due to the weather forecast for this Saturday the Verona Park Conservancy will now hold its Annual Fall Clean-up in the Park on Saturday, October 24th, from 9am to 12pm.

Fall Cleanup at Verona Park

I received the following announcement from Bill Wojtowicz, President of the Verona Park Conservancy. Please try to participate in this event!

The Verona Park Conservancy will hold its Annual Fall Clean-up in the Park on Saturday, October 17th, from 9am to 12pm. If heavy rain is falling, the event will be held on Saturday, October 24th.

Participants should bring their own work gloves. Rakes and other equipment will be provided by the Verona Park Conservancy and the Essex County Parks Department. The staging area will be a tent near the boat house.Kids accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.

Visit their website to learn more about this wonderful organization.

OctoberFest Saturday October 3

This is a quick reminder for the Essex County Environmental Center’s Fifth Annual OctoberFest Celebration!

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Place: Essex County Environmental Center, 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ
OctoberFest will be held RAIN or SHINE.

"OctoberFest is a great opportunity to visit our state-of-the-art Environmental Center and meet our environmental partners," DiVincenzo said.

The free day-long activities will be held as follows:
Visitors to OctoberFest can go on canoe trips on the Passaic River or nature walks in Essex County’s West Essex Park. There will be a petting zoo, gardening tips, demonstrations by the Essex County Beekeepers and New Jersey Woodturners, arts and crafts, face painting, free refreshments and a pumpkin patch where children can pick their own pumpkin free of charge.

Admission throughout the day is free. For more information, please call 973-228-8776.

View 621 Eagle Rock Ave in a larger map

16 New Trees on Morningside Road

Today, September 30th, 16 public trees are being planted on Morningside Road. The company in charge of the tree planting is Northern Nurseries from Somerset, NJ. Humberto, pictured here driving the fork lift, explained to me that these are October Glory Maples and that all the trees are being installed with previews authorization from homeowners. October Glory Maple Trees quickly mature into a pleasing oval shape and are ideal landscaping trees that require minimal attention. The description below is from arborday.org

A very fast-growing Red Maple cultivar. This ever-popular maple should be considered as a beautiful shade tree addition to any yard. Glistening dark green leaves in spring, summer turn radiant red late fall and last several weeks. Tiny, conspicuous red flowers bloom in spring. Showy red fruit attract many birds and other wildlife. Grows 40'-50' high with a 25'-35' spread. Tolerant of many soils, but prefers slightly acid and moist conditions. Plant in partial shade to full sun.

I applaud Verona homeowners and authorities for improving the environment and beautifying our town by planting these 16 trees!

Green Buildings Open House, October 3

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) invites the public to visit a local sustainable building at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona and across New Jersey to talk with energy-saving experts during the 2009 Green Buildings Open House from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday October 3.

Search NESEA's database of Green Buildings Open House sites to find the ones nearest you and to read a description of each site's sustainable features. NESEA works with over 60 local organizers and member businesses to market the event, increase participation and promote our members services. Many of the sites were designed and/or built by NESEA professional members. Over 15,000 people toured the 600 sites in October 2008.

For more information visit www.nesea.org or call (413) 774-6051

2nd Treasured Tree of 2009

A beautiful Japanese Maple tree is the second Treasured Tree designated by the Verona Environmental Commission this year. The tree is located in the front lawn of a wonderful house from 1919 located at 82 Morningside Road. It belongs to Pamela and David Blake who moved to Verona in 1981. The specimen is a large Acer palmatum, a species native to Japan, Korea and China.

If you would you like to nominate a tree please write to the VEC at veronaenvironmental@gmail.com. To see photos of all the treasured trees of Verona please visit the VEC website or click here.

From left, Francesca Cortese, Verona Mayor Teena Schwartz, VEC Co-Chair Cinzia Cortese, homeowners David and Pamela Blake and VEC Chairman Jerry Shimonaski.

The Natural Wonders of New Jersey

I received the following announcement today:

The Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy is sponsoring an illustrated talk on The Natural Wonders of New Jersey by Dr. Emile DeVito, manager of science and stewardship at New Jersey Conservation Foundation on Thursday October 15th at 7:30pm in the Pond House at Grover Cleveland Park for all those interested.

Location: Grover Cleveland Park is located in Caldwell along Brookside Avenue and in Essex Fells along Runnymede Road. Click here for a map of the park.

Directions:
From the south : From the intersection of Eagle Rock Avenue and Roseland Avenue, take Roseland Avenue north approx. 1 mile to Borough Place, turn Left; bear Left onto Runnymede Road; continue to end, turn right onto Brookside Avenue. Park is on right. From the east or west: From the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Roseland Avenue, take Roseland Avenue; make immediate Right onto Westville Avenue; after Westville Avenue turns left, stay straight onto Brookside Avenue. Park is on left.

Harvest Fest in Bloomfield

Today we visited Bloomfield's Harvest Fest on Broad Street between Liberty St. and Park Ave. The kids had fun at the amusement park rides and got sticky with old fashioned cotton candy. There were plenty of vendors, live music and exhibits by local organizations. Bloomfield Open Space Trust Fund had an interesting display pointing out how few green sites remain undeveloped in town. This is a new organization focused on expanding open space and recreational areas.

The fund is created from a tax levy of 1 cent per $100 of assessed value. Thus a house...will be charged approximately $15 on their annual tax bill to fund the savings account.

By having this fund they are also entitled to borrow more money from the State's Green Acres Program and at more convenient rate than if they did not have the fund. Also present were: Bloomfield Recycling Committee, the Essex Green Party and Greener Bloomfield -they promote sustainable living, working and community in Bloomfield.

Visit Greener Bloomfield at this weekend’s Harvest Fest and get a free compact fluorescent lightbulb from Project Porchlight! We’ll be in the Quad between the Civic Center, Library, and Children’s Library along Broad Street on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 19-20, from 11am to 6pm. Stop by to get your bulb, and also get information about making Bloomfield greener by reducing vehicle idling, saving water, and more.

There is still time to enjoy the fest tomorrow when composting demos will take place and Bloomfield residents can even order a compost bin for just $35!

New "No Idling" signs

I love the 3 new signs recently installed in front of Forest Avenue School. The pictured sign is replacing the former "No Parking". This is a helpful remainder of how unhealthy is idling for drivers and even worst for kids. EPA statistics are a real eye opener. You can find a local presentation about vehicle pollution in the Verona Environmental Commission website:

Check out Idle Free Verona (pdf), a new presentation by the VEC and the H.B. Whitehorne Middle School Environmental Club. According to the EPA, an idling vehicle emits 20 times more pollution than one traveling at 30 miles per hour. Learn what Verona kids are doing to reduce air pollution and how you can help!

The new rules are being enforced, specially the "No Parking" part of it at pick up time. According to police officers it is not safe to have such activity of vehicles in a narrow area crowded with elementary school students (plus a lot of younger siblings). Mr. Valente, the school Principal, makes a good argument: there is only space for about 6 cars to park there anyway, so those drivers will have to find another spot. Personally, I am glad to walk or park near by to keep kids safe.

NJ Children Health Expo on Sept. 12 and 13

A friend just sent me the following announcement:

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in collaboration with Newark Mayor Cory Booker invite the public to participate in Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet (SOKHOP) expo. SOKHOP is not just another Green Conference! This two-day event sponsored by New Jersey Medical School's Department of Pediatrics, the Autism Center, the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the City of Newark is the first green children's health expo in New Jersey. SOKHOP is at the forefront of a new movement focused on sustainable living practices and it features over 25 top presenters in the fields of preventative pediatrics, nutrition and the environment.

The event is for the whole family and will take place on the Campus of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ on September, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13. Enter through the Oral Health Dental Pavillion 50 12th Ave. Level B, Newark, New Jersey 07103.

For more information visit http://www.sokhop.com/

Back from the Farm

We are back from Watkins Glen, New York, where we spent a few days visiting the Farm Sanctuary and the State Park. The Farm Sanctuary in NY is the home of 700 rescued animals, all adorable. There is another Farm Sanctuary shelter in California with 400 rescued animals. The New York 175-acre farm is in the charming Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, just west of Watkins Glen. It is a 4 hours drive northwest of Verona. When the shelter is full, rescued animals are placed for adoption. Since 1986, over 1,500 farm animals had been adopted through the Farm Sanctuary’s network. We stayed in one of the cabins of the farm's bed and breakfast. At the entrance there is a beautiful visitors center called "People Barn" with plenty of information, guided tours of the shelter, a "kids corner" and a gift shop. Volunteers must be over 12 years of age but our kids insisted and joined a group of children collecting apples to feed the pigs. The staff at the farm is very knowledgeable and the animals are highly huggable and fun to be around. We also visited Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. I highly recommend to visit Watkins Glen and spend some time at this wonderful "farm animal paradise".

Going Green in Verona is Easy!

For the last two months I've been working as a volunteer with members of the Verona Environmental Commission. Some of the projects that I got involved with was to photograph all the Treasured Trees of Verona and to help create a presentation about local vehicle idling pollution.

The next project was to redevelop and enhance the VEC's website. In order to work effectively as a group, we used Google Sites, a free on-line application that allowed as to collaborate in a very dynamic way.

We did a lot of research and took plenty of pictures included in the site. I hope you enjoy it. The following is the VEC's announcement:

Going “Green” in Verona is easy!

If you are thinking of going “green” and saving some green; www.veronaec.org, the Web site of the Verona Environmental Commission, is the place to go. The VEC just revamped its site to highlight sustainable living ideas tailored to Verona.

The new site is a collective work created entirely by VEC volunteers using free on-line software. It is a very user friendly portal with plenty of recent local pictures, inspiring and easy to navigate. The VEC would like to invite all residents, including children, to go green and get involved in the protection of Verona’s environment.

Visit us online and learn how you can reduce air pollution today. One of the site’s highlights is Idle Free Verona, a new presentation by the VEC and the H.B. Whitehorne Middle School Environmental Club. Take the Treasured Tree tour and discover how Verona went solar. Stop by the kids’ page to “Go Back to School Green”. Do you know what “Household Hazardous Waste” is? We all have some at home; learn how to properly dispose of it; and for free! What about recycling plastic #5, composting, rain barrels and rain gardens? Read about these topics and much more at www.veronaec.org.

Your feedback is appreciated. You can contact the VEC via email at veronaenvironmental@gmail.com. Going “Green” is easy!

Montclair Green Film Series Presents “Flow”

Community Green and the Montclair Environmental Affairs office will co-host a screening of the award-winning documentary, Flow, on Thursday, August 20, at 6:30 pm, at the Montclair Public Library's Main Branch, 50 South Fullerton Ave. Admission is free. A discussion period after the film will take place until the Library closes at 9 pm.

Flow is Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the twenty-first century – the world water crisis. Salina, builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.

Beyond identifying the problem, Flow also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis, and those developing new technologies which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.

For further information, please contact the office of Environmental Affairs at (973) 509-5721, or grussell@montclairnjusa.org
For information about Community Green, contact Marnie Vyff at 335-4469, or marnie@ecoLOGIC-design.com

Verona Park Conservancy Meeting

A quick reminder from the Verona Park Conservancy President, Bill Wojtowicz. The monthly meeting of the Verona Park Conservancy will be next Thursday, August 20, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in the Verona Park Boathouse. Everyone is welcome to attend.

First 2009 Treasured Tree

Yesterday I visited the Corcoran family to take some pictures of their wonderful White Oak tree, the first 2009 Treasured Tree in Verona. The approximately 125 years old, 80 feet tall tree belongs to Eugene and Marie Corcoran and it is located in their front yard at 92 Pease Avenue.

Mrs. Corcoran welcomed everybody with lemonade and appetizers on the porch. She mentioned that 45 years ago, when they moved in the tree was already beautiful. They certainly took good care of it.

White Oaks are native to eastern North America and specimens are known to have lived over 600 years. It is the state tree of Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland. The White Oak is the tree from which the phrase "The Mighty Oak" was coined. Advantages of the White Oak are that they are easily transplanted when young, they require very little maintenance and have a high resistance to ice breakage and oak wilt. In the fall, the leaves are rich with color, and the acorns attract an array of wildlife.

Pictured from left to right: Marykate Dougherty, AJ Farro, Tom Dougherty, Verona Mayor Teena Schwartz, Brian Farro, Owen Dougherty, homeowners Eugene Corcoran and Marie Corcoran, Brian Dougherty, Colleen Dougherty, Deputy Mayor Frank Sapienza and Jerry Shimonaski, Verona Environmental Commission Chairman. Photo by Gloria Machnowski.

The Verona Environmental Commission is expanding its Treasured Tree program and the Chairman, Jerry Shimonaski, explained:

This program recognizes beautiful, mature trees and the homeowners who care for them. These trees add great beauty to Verona and improve our environment by trapping carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants. Among Verona’s current Treasured Trees are an American Black Walnut at 14 Manor Rd., a Sycamore at 132 Sunset Ave., and a Red Oak at 42 Martin Rd. Homeowners whose trees are designated as Treasured Trees receive a plaque from the commission that they may display on their tree.

If you would like to nominate a tree to be designated as a Treasured Tree, please e-mail Mr. Shimonaski with a photo of your tree at gerard.shimonaski@comcast.net

Spotless Verona Park

Last week Verona Park Conservancy members set out for their Summer clean up to keep the 54-acre park spotless.

The Verona Park Conservancy is a public, non-profit organization that is dedicated to working with the Essex County Parks Department and the public to maintain, beautify and improve Verona Park's appearance and facilities for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The conservancy holds one clean up event per season. This time they got help from young environmentalists during four days of conservation work provided by the Newark Chapter of the Student Conservation Association (SCA).The SCA is America’s conservation corps, their members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states. Bill Wojtowicz, President of the Verona Park Conservancy, publicly thanked the SCA and added:

The SCA project was not only a way to conserve Verona Park’s numerous historical assets – but a means for Conservancy members to share their wisdom and experience with the young adults I hope someday will carry on our important work.

The conservancy’s clean-up chairman, Dick Heaslip, mentioned that the main goal now is to remove all the man-made debris, which tends to get washed into the lake from the streets and houses. VPC Vice President Deborah Jacobsen guided the teams of high school students from Newark participating in this hands-on project.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. visited Verona Park to compliment the SCA and Conservancy members on their outstanding work. Neil Moylan led volunteers in maintaining the Children’s Garden, where pesticides are not used to avoid hazardous substances flowing into the lake.

The Verona Park Conservancy meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s boathouse. Everyone is welcome.

Shaved roots

The first picture is a locust tree in Morningside Road taken less than 2 months ago, full of new growth. The second one is from a Morningside Road resident, he sent it to me yesterday in the afternoon. His e-mail said:

Tree just came down on a house on Morningside! Cops here now. No roots on the street side!

The tree that came down is the same locust tree, it was located between Lakeside Avenue and South Prospect Street, where contractors just finished street construction. It strikes me how intact and perfectly straight the recently installed Belgium blocks are, still after the tree came down.

Acording to Wikipedia:

Despite its name, Honey locust is not a significant honey plant. The name derives from the sweet taste of the legume pulp, which was used for food by Native American people, and can also be fermented to make beer...A Native American legend is that the Thunder Spirit recognized his son by his ability to sit comfortably on locust branches, despite the thorns...It tolerates urban conditions, compacted soil, road salt, alkaline soil, heat and drought.

I showed the pictures to the director of the New Jersey Tree Foundation. In her opinion the roots were shaved which is likely the reason the tree came down. There were no roots on the street-side of the tree to anchor it; trees that have root damage don't need a big storm or strong winds to bring it down, she explained.

This was a close call, fortunately nobody was harmed. Cutting the roots of a tree is dangerous; it should be avoided or done only under the supervision of an arborist.

Local newspapers

The following are letters and news recently published in our local newspapers, including some practical environmental tips. Complete versions are available on-line by clicking the title/link:

Letter to the editor: Help Protect Verona’s trees
By Verona resident Lydia Bashwiner

Regarding Verona’s street trees, residents are the first line of defense against damage by construction and overhead wire work. Here are four steps that you can take: Know the rules. Verona’s ordinance prohibits any action regarding such trees without the permission of the Shade Tree Commission. Contractors are expressly prohibited from damaging any part of a tree with their equipment. Residents can report improper pruning by utility companies. State law imposes fines up to $1,500 for violations...

Laning Avenue School in Verona gets greener with help from Whole Foods

Laning SCA members Michelle Posner, Jackie Yarmo, Whole Foods employees Susan Cozza and Gerry Giannetti, and Laning SCA member Virginia Citrano planted a variety of flowers around the PIP entrance of Laning Avenue School on July 1.

Shimonaski: Cut water bills
The writer is chairman of the Verona Environmental Commission.

Want to water your lawn and garden this summer without running up a big water bill? Think about using a rain barrel.
When you connect a rain barrel to your downspout, you can capture all the rain that falls on your house and save it to water the yard later. One big storm can put 100 gallons of water in your barrel!

Flemington ordinance protects 'historic' trees
By Veronica Slaght

To preserve Flemington's "historic" trees, the council adopted a tree preservation ordinance last week. The borough's big trees will get municipal protection after they are put on a list by the Shade Tree Commission.

Council meeting feedback

These are some of the topics discussed last night, July 20th, at Town Hall:

• Mayor Teena Schwartz informed that workshops about public trees and quality of life in Verona are being organized. More information will be available soon. The Mayor gave forestry program brochures to Councilmember Jay Sniatkowski, liaison with the Shade Tree Commission -for their review.

• Town Manager Joe Martin talked about last weekend's festival in Verona Park which was a success and the pedestrian counting –over 800- in Lakeside Ave. corner with Hillside Ave. will increase the possibility of having a traffic light installed there. The Town Manager also reported that a member of the Shade Tree Commission will inspect trees with staff from the utility company before PSE&G prunes any public tree. And that all street projects are presently on time and on budget.

• Regarding the private Bloomfield Ave. vacant lot located in front of the Community Center, councilmembers were informed that it is up to them to keep or change its classification. Currently the lot has a lot of trees and it is for residential use only; but could be develop for mixed-use if councilmembers act upon it. On behalf of neighbors in the area a resident expressed that they will be more than happy if the property continues being only for residential use.

• Recently elected Councilmember Bob Manley informed that he is very impressed after touring all Verona facilities and Hilltop development. Mr. Manley also expressed that he is proud of the amount of open green space that the town and volunteers managed to protect and preserve in Verona.

• Councilmember Ken McKenna suggested that the Town Engineer looks into reducing the existing gaps between fences and containers in the recycle center so materials don’t fall there, or install a garbage shoot to aid in such matters.

• Councilmembers also recommended to consider the use of pervious concrete pavement.

The use of pervious concrete is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the EPA -and by other agencies and geotechnical engineers across the country- for the management of stormwater runoff on a regional and local basis.

• Resident Christopher Bujnowski presented a petition signed by 25 families to request a crossing guard on Peace Avenue. He pointed out that more than 40 kids need assistance crossing that intersection that also lacks sidewalks. Many parents drive their kids to school just because it is not safe to cross that street.

• Verona Environmental Commission Chairman, Gerard Shimonaski, requested a “Please no Idling” sign to be installed at Forest Avenue School, the only elementary school in town without such a sign. He also presented a new VEC brochure regarding the benefits of minimizing idling and mentioned that the VEC is finishing a Power Point presentation in the matter.

• Resident Stephen Machnowski suggested the expansion and inclusion of the Shade Tree Commission annual report in the township’s website as well as posting a contact e-mail address.

• Councilmember Sniatkowski mentioned that information and a contact e-mail for each of the Standing Boards, Committees, and Commissions will be added to the township website. Currently, from the 14 listed groups, only the Environmental Commission and the Public Safety Committee have such information on-line.

• Resident Dominick Balestro pointed out that he and his wife had been sending correspondence to the Verona Mayor and Shade Tree Commission since the year 2000 regarding the multiple tree removals and lack of tree replacements without getting answers. Councilmember Jay Sniatkowski ansewered that the Council is currently taking care of those matters.

• Morningside Resident Ellen Kramer asked what is the time frame and variety of trees that will be planted in Morningside as well as the promised feedback about public trees. Town Manager Joe Martin responded that the main point in the “No Net Tree Loss” petition is taken care of by currently enforcing that policy.

• Town Engineer Jim Helb added that a high amount of Morningside residents requested tree replacements and the trees will be planted soon. Mayor Teena Schwartz added that a variety of maple trees will be chosen to avoid monoculture. The trees will have a bigger caliber, reaching 15 feet in high and 2 inches in diameter.

• I also supported a “Please No Idling” sign at Forest Avenue School to remind drivers. And asked if the total number of trees removed versus trees planted annually in Verona could be disclosed. The Town Manager responded that after gathering such data that information will be included in future reports.

• Resident Edward Kramer asked if the service walks are going to be removed (slabs of concrete installed over the grass area in front of homes). The Town Engineer answered that 6 of the recently installed slabs were removed already in Morningside Rd. due to resident’s requests. Other 3 slabs will be removed in that street. He added that the town will continue installing service walks and that the residents can keep requesting the removal of those slabs.

I would like to suggest if those service roads could be installed upon resident request only, to avoid wasting taxpayer’s monies on further removals. I personally appreciate all the measures that the town authorities are already taking to protect and increase the number of public trees and improve our environment.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

We had a wonderful time at "A Midsummer Night's Dream and Festival" in Verona Park yesterday. "Lord, what fools these mortals be!"... Shakespeare's play was performed by professional actors at 5 pm under the park's beautiful trees and a comfortable summer breeze; a perfect setting. We enjoyed to see our favorite fairy performing, the daughter of a very good friend and Verona neighbor. We even took some free lessons of chess and ate old-school rock candy. The festival produced by The New Jersey Arts Incubator -NJAI- on July 18 & 19, from noon through 8.00 pm- has all day entertainment with storytellers, music, art & crafts and food vendors. A proper Midsummer Night's Dream!

Annual Report

During the last council meeting Verona resident Ben Blinder brought up the topic of shade tree reports. Our Annual Accomplishment Report is put together by the Shade Tree Commission and submitted to the Community Forestry Program in Trenton, New Jersey.



Even though not many towns in New Jersey post the reports in the internet, it is certainly a good idea to make them easily available to the public. Here are the links to some 2008 examples: Borough of Chatham, Borough of Madison and Bernards Township.

Two weeks ago my husband filled out a request at Town Hall and obtained the following copy of Verona's 2008 report. For full size images click on the pages.

Cover Page
2008 Accomplishment Report


It is not common to find space dedicated to public trees or shade tree commissions in NJ towns' websites yet. Nevertheless, having such information on-line could highly improve communication with residents. These are some examples: Lower Merion Shade Tree Commission, Rutherford Shade Tree Committee and Montgomery Shade Tree Committee.

I agree with former Mayor Ken McKena when he recently said that perhaps our township authorities are not telling Verona residents enough of what they are accomplishing.

Closing Remarks

I would like to thank Mr. James Thomas, director of Verona Public Library, for providing me with a copy of last council meeting's DVD. A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to topics related to Verona's trees. The following are the closing remarks by former Mayor Ken McKenna and former Deputy Mayor Jay Sniatkowski.



To watch more videos from June 15th Council meeting visit www.youtube.com/VeronaTrees

The Council and the Town Manager promised to provide feedback to the public at the upcoming council meeting -Monday, July 20th, 7 pm at Town Hall. Residents are welcome to attend and hear this feedback first-hand. During the council meeting's second half public participation is allowed and this will be a great opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions.

DVDs of Township Council Meetings are available through the Verona Public Library, 17 Gould Street, Verona, New Jersey, 07044 - (973) 857-4848 - library@veronanj.org

There is also a new site from Tom Jung, VeronaStreaming.net, offering full length Verona videos that are too large for YouTube.

A busy day

Today Morningside residents received a letter from Township Engineer Jim Helb, asking them to indicate whether they wanted a new shade tree planted in front of their home. A stamped addressed envelope was included to facilitate this. I applaud this effort to improve communication and inform residents of this option. And I also welcome the initiative of tree experts on identifying suitable locations for our public trees.

There were many interesting articles on the Verona-Cedar Grove Times today. The following are related to Verona's trees, you can read the full text by clicking on the articles' titles:

Schwartz ready for challenges of mayoral post
By Joe Olivieri.

...First up is getting the shade-tree issue resolved, she said. Last month, residents presented the council with a petition complaining about tree removal. Officials explained town policy and are looking into the matter...As for more long-term projects, Schwartz would like to see a "not draconian" tree ordinance in place. Schwartz isn't sure what shape it would take, but it could include neighbor notification for tree removal or hiring an arborist.
"If trees are sick, they're a hazard. But if they're healthy, they reduce air conditioning costs (through shade) and prevent mud in basements," she said...

Deputy mayor: networking is key.
Frank Sapienza strives to maintain fresh perspective in local politics.
By Joe Olivieri.

...Looking ahead he cited the shade tree issue as a hot button topic. "In the next week or so, I'm going to meet with the Shade Tree Commission and see what they are all about", he said...

Letter to the editor: Verona needs professional arborist to help
By Elaine Balestro.

...This has been an ongoing concern of mine, which came to light after the township removed many mature oak trees from Hillside Avenue during the summer of 2000. The removal and non-replacement of those trees prompted my letters to Mayor Maria Force in November 2000 and Mayor Bob Detore in February 2002 and April 2003...What Verona needs is a professional arborist specialized in protecting street trees from construction damage who will act as a tree advocate working with contractors to plan and supervise construction from beginning to end...

Eight more trees at VHS!

Many parents noticed that there are more trees around Verona High School. Bringing my kids to take lessons at the Summer Music Program I saw at least 8 young trees recently planted along Sampson Drive. The 7 feet tall trees are maples, probably Acer Rubrum "October Glory", a beautiful shade tree addition to the VHS grounds. If you would like to suggest other locations to plant public trees do not hesitate to contact Verona Shade Tree Commission Chairman, Mr. Bob Dickison at 973-857-4803 or the Department of Public Works at 973-857-4804.

Rumors that need clarification

Some residents are troubled by last Council meeting's disclosure that the taxpayers of Verona are funding trees at a private, member owned golf club. In order to verify the source of the concerns, I contacted Mr. James Thomas, director of Verona Public Library. He courteously provided me with a copy of the video recorded at June 15th Council meeting.

I watched the video with my family and found the part where Township Manager Joe Martin refers to extra trees planted by Verona that are not part of the roadway projects. You can watch that video here:


Furthermore, I contacted Deputy Mayor Jay Sniatkowski for clarification on this matter. Mr. Sniatkowski assured me that the town never purchased any trees for the Montclair Golf Course. And that Mr. Joe Martin used the town of Montclair and the golf course in reference to that specific storm and the devastation it caused in those areas along with the Afterglow area in town in which Verona spent 50K to replace lost trees. The Deputy Mayor emphasized that the township of Verona didn't spend a dime for golf course or Montclair trees.

Please contact Mr. Joe Martin if you have further questions. I think that it is important to clarify any rumor that may be circulating regarding this topic.

Procedure modification

My daughter, almost a second grader, takes care of our paper recycling at home. This time I was very pleased to double check before curbside pick up. Among old homework and junk mail I found June 25th Verona Observer newspaper with the article "Tree removal complains initiate procedure modification" in the front page.

After a petition with 124 signatures was given to the Township Council at the June 15 meeting, Township Manager Joseph Martin speculated that perhaps the process for tree removal in the township should be modified...
Councilwoman Teena Schwartz says she thinks adding the review and comment of the shade tree commission will help and should be done before bids for any street project are released. If healthy trees can be saved by using smaller equipment on the job or some by other modifications that may effect the total job cost, the net effect should be a wash. “If we spend a little more to save trees, we will obviously spend less to replace them,” Schwartz said in an interview Tuesday.

Based on Shade Tree Commission information available at the time, petitioners stated that Verona spends $10,000 annually to plant new street trees. There are additional expenditures such as tree pruning and tree removal associated with tree replacements. During the last council meeting Councilmember Teena Schwartz, liaison with the Shade Tree Commission and Environmental Commission, gave a detailed report about resident's concerns regarding tree removals. Mr. Joe Martin, Town Manager, explain in detail that there are extra trees added all the time that are not part of the roadway projects. He mentioned that money from the capital budget is allocated to undertake the purchase of trees, and also tree replacements are paid from project dollars out of public works. Mayor Ken McKenna explained that most of the towns in New Jersey do not have a Shade Tree Commission.

During public participation Morningside resident Mrs. Laura Morowitz presented the petition. Mr. Dionigi Maladorno added that perhaps more involvement from the Shade Tree Commission should be allowed in the whole process. The Mayor and the Town Manager explained that Caputo Brothers Tree Service is the company responsible for our general tree maintenance program in town but the contractor hires another firm for tree removals on specific road projects. Mr. Joe Martin added that we will learn from the Morningside experience and that he is confident, as well as Mr. Jim Helb, Town Engineer, that we can do better. Deputy Mayor Jay Sniatkowski encouraged residents to call Public Works and request trees to be planted in front of their homes assuring that Verona is more than prepared to plant public trees. He also mentioned that living in the Forest Avenue School quadrant he knows the impact of trees taken down in the community. Referring to the petition he pointed out:

We certainly need to improve the process. You certainly have valid points and we are going to work to improve them.

I also called for major involvement of the Shade Tree Commission before any tree removals and added that I do not want Verona to become another gray sad town like many others. Councilmember Santi Condoerelli explained that "no net tree loss" had been Verona's policy for years but its current enforcement is not clear. He suggested that knowing the annual amount spent on tree planting versus tree removals could help the residents. Mr. Ben Blinder, councilmember candidate in the last elections, asked:

Serving on the Landmark Preservation Commission we have to issue an annual report on our activities for the previews year. Does the Shade Tree Commission complete an annual report? Are they required to? And if so, is that report available for the public to review.

The answer from Councilmembers and Town Manager was yes and the report can be requested at Town Hall. Cinzia Cortese, member of Verona Environmental Commission, spoke as a Verona resident and long-term tree advocate:

I am happy that you are going to look into this because Morningside in my opinion is really a disaster.

She called for tree diversity instead of monocolture and explained that 3 trees were sick on Morningside Rd., 2 were butchered by PSE&G and the other 7 where the "oops!". Mr. Joe Martin answered that the tree list for removal was prepared before the trees came down and that when public service comes to town we should do a better job coordinating with them. Mrs. Laura Morowitz made the point that she and other neighbors received a letter saying "a few trees may be taken down in the course of the construction", and that's not really what happened. Finally, Mr. Jim Helb, Town Engineer noted that he can not give an exact list of trees that will be taken down until the sidewalk is exposed. And that one of the biggest limiting opportunities for replacing trees is the utilities. Trees can not be planted where the water and gas services are or sanitary sewer. Deputy Mayor Jay Sniatkowski added:

And if you put one of those service walks then you do not have any opportunity so it makes sense to take those out.

Mayor Ken McKenna invited the Town Manager and Town Engineer to come back to the council the next meeting on July 20th with their findings and proposals on the matter. Mr. Sniatkowski concluded:

We have a couple of groups working in different directions, we need to bring it all together, and a little bit of finger pointing, and this is certainly the first time it really came out and I've been doing this for 8 years and we never had this reaction. You are not been a pain in the neck, we thank you because where there is a fault in the system we need to find out...we owe to everybody to come up with a better system.

I think that we should all thank our township authorities for taking environmental concerns seriously and for their professionalism and expertise. It is clear that they are already working on improvements to replenish our urban forest.

Red Oak, New Jersey State Tree

After looking for the ideal tree for our front lawn for a while, we found it close to home last week, in Cedar Grove Garden Center.

It is a 20 feet tall Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), a good street tree. The Red Oak is New Jersey State Tree and a native of North America.

One of its many special features is that it is easier than most trees to transplant, fast growing and it can tolerate the conditions of cities and towns -such as pollution and compacted soil- amazingly well.

The price was very reasonable, they do free delivery or plant it for a fee -about 30% of the tree price- which includes one year warranty. Two days after buying it the tree nursery owner came with 5 people to deliver and plant it. They did an excellent job and informed us that needs to be watered only once a week.

Often simply called "Red Oak", northern red oak is formally so named to distinguish it from southern red oak (Q. falcata or Spanish oak). Under optimal conditions, northern red oak may live up to 500 years. Grows to 60' to 75', 45' spread (zones 3-8) and as much as two feet a year for 10 years. It is easy to recognize by its bark with ridges that appear to have shiny stripes down the center and all the way down the trunk.

Arboy Day Foundation has plenty of information about it:

Attributes:
The Red Oak is an American treasure, and one easy to own...In parks, along streets and in home landscapes, the tree provides cool shade from its dense crown, brilliant fall colors and a high degree of safety thanks to the superior strength of its wood.

Wildlife Value:
Red oak acorns are at the top of the food preference list for blue jays, wild turkeys, squirrels, small rodents, whitetail deer, raccoons, and black bears. Deer also browse the buds and twigs in wintertime.

History/Lore/Use:
The Red Oak has been a favorite of both lumbermen and landscapers since colonial times. The tree has also found favor when transplanted in Europe. It is believed that Bishop Compton's garden, near Fulham in England, received the first Red Oak transplant abroad in the late 17th century. In 1924, there were over 450 acres of Red Oak plantations in Baden, Germany.

Moisture:
Normal moisture with some drought tolerance.

Leaves:
The leaves alternate, simple, 4 to 8 inches long with pointed, spine-tipped lobes. Dark green color turning russet-red to bright red in autumn.

Flower Color:
Pale, yellow-green catkins appear at about the same time new foliage is expanding.

Bloom Time:
April-May.

Fruit Description:
The Acorn is round, 3/4 to 1 inch long, flat, thick, saucer like cap, brown.

Thank you Baristanet!

Last Monday Baristanet posted "Verona Residents Fight for Trees". Read the article here. Many people made interesting comments -one was nonsense crazy- And the following one in particular puzzled me:

"The owners of any property where trees were removed were all contacted ahead of time and given a choice of either having the tree removed by the town or taking on responsibility for the maintenance of it in the future."

Mr. Jim Helb, Town Engineer, explained during the last council meeting, that he can not give anybody an exact number of trees that need to be cut down until the sidewalk is exposed. According to Rutgers:

"Although trunk injury can kill trees, it is root injury during construction that is most likely to kill trees." Tree Problems Caused by People in Suburban Lanscape

Therefore the way digging operations are conducted is crucial for the survival of any given tree. And in Morningside a backhoe was used.

"Vibratory plows, chain trenchers, and hand tools do a better job at this than bulldozers and backhoes...If possible, avoid widening streets or sidewalks when they are replaced. If curbs are slated to be replaced, hand-form the curbs adjacent to tree roots, rather than excavating with machinery for mechanical forms. Excavation with machinery destroys major branch roots, even if the new curb remains in the same position as the old curb." Protecting Trees from Construction Damage, University of Minnesota .

I asked one of my neighbors at Morningside Rd. and she confirmed that she was given two specific options: accepting the removal or assuming liability over the public tree (potentially damaged by backhoe excavation during sidewalk removal). Is that common practice? The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers a logical solution:

"It is possible to preserve trees on building sites if the right measures are taken. The most important step is to hire a professional arborist during the planning stage... Your arborist and builder should work together in planning the construction. The builder may need to be educated regarding the value of the trees ... and the importance of saving them ... Get it in writing. All of the measures intended to protect your trees must be written into the construction specifications. The written specifications should detail exactly what can and cannot be done to and around the trees ... Fines and penalties for violations should be built into the specifications. Not too surprisingly, subcontractors are much more likely to adhere to the tree preservation clauses if their profit is at stake. The severity of the fines should be proportional to the potential damage to the trees and should increase for multiple infractions."

Forest Avenue School have 4 new trees!

Four beautiful maple trees were planted in front of the school this week. As a Forest Avenue School mom I appreciate and welcome these young trees. The 4 inches in diameter maples are replacing mature trees removed about a year ago.

On behalf of our kids' lungs I would like to say THANK YOU!

Here are some interesting tree facts and benefits:

*Trees are the longest living organisms on earth.

*Oak trees can live to be over 500 years.

*Trees renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

*A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four!

*One tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces while driving 26,000 miles. Over the course of its life, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.

*Shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer. Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.

*Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers. Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control.

*The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere.

*One of the world's oldest trees are 4,600 year old Bristlecone pines in the USA.

*The world's tallest tree is a Coast Redwood growing in northern California's Redwood National Park. It is 369 feet tall and over 2000 years old!