Borough of Ringwood Initiates First-In-State Regional Approach to Lake Management Through Public-Private Partnership (Passaic County) 

A provider of drinking water to millions of New Jersey residents, the Borough of Ringwood is situated in the heart of the New Jersey Highlands and is home to several public and private lakes that sit within the Ramapo Mountains. In order to take an active role in the management of these natural resources located within multiple watersheds, the Borough of Ringwood was the first municipality in New Jersey to take a regional approach to private lake management through a public-private partnership with lake associations.

Newark’s First Avenue Elementary School Displays Sustainability Excellence at Green Fair (Essex County)

On June 2, 2022, the First Avenue Elementary School held its inaugural green fair. The Student Sustainability Ambassadors showcased their projects that spanned a variety of focus areas including energy, waste, climate change and health and wellness. Pre-kindergarten students used recyclable materials to make flowers and bugs; first graders discussed how to turn disposable household items into something new and useable; second graders created wind turbines that turn wind into energy and middle school students made paper.

Medford Township Adds Warning System to Better Respond to Extreme Weather Due to Climate Change (Burlington County)

As the impacts of climate change in New Jersey increase, municipalities are finding ways to prepare for major weather events prior to the arrival of hazardous conditions. The Medford Township Emergency Management Team, under the leadership of Fire Chief Robert Dovi, collaborated with the Medford Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee (EEAC) on an important community resiliency project, made possible in part through a $10,000 Sustainable Communities Grant administered by Sustainable Jersey and funded by Atlantic City Electric.

Six Schools Recognized for NJ Student Climate Challenge Action Projects

Student team winners and their teacher mentors, from high schools and middle schools across New Jersey, were honored by New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy for their Student Climate Challenge action projects on June 8, 2022, at an awards ceremony hosted by the Drumthwacket Foundation. The Central High School Youth Environmental Society Team from Hopewell Valley Regional School District was the first-place winner in the high-school category.

Grants to Improve Air Quality and Energy Performance in Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses

The School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Programs are part of a $180 million grant initiative for New Jersey schools and women- and minority-owned small businesses to improve the air quality and energy performance of their buildings.