Chatham Township Receives $1,500 Grant for Tree Grove Restoration Near Castle Playground

New funding supports environmental efforts to rejuvenate local green space, enhance soil health, and prevent erosion.

CHATHAM TWP, N.J. - Chatham Township's local environment is set to benefit from a new initiative, thanks to a $1,500 grant awarded by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). The Chatham Township Environmental Commission (CTEC) will spearhead a restoration project aimed at rejuvenating the native tree grove adjacent to Castle Playground in Shunpike Park.

The grove, while currently home to healthy, mature trees, suffers from exposed superficial roots due to water runoff and foot traffic. These conditions have compromised the understory, leading to unsightly bare patches and increased risk of soil erosion. To address this, CTEC plans to use the grant to establish fenced plots for regenerating native plant undergrowth. Selected plants include American holly, flowering dogwood, American hornbeam, shagbark hickory, and gray birch. The fencing is intended to protect these plants from deer and further human interference, allowing them to thrive.

In addition to the ANJEC grant, CTEC has also secured funding from the Chatham Jaycees to develop educational signage for the park. These signs will detail the restoration efforts and highlight the ecological benefits of the understory plants, native trees, and the use of fallen leaves as natural mulch. This initiative aims to enhance local biodiversity, supporting habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Community involvement is a pivotal aspect of this project. CTEC is collaborating with local Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Town and Country Garden Club, Rutgers' Environmental Stewards, and the Chatham Department of Public Works. Moreover, CTEC invites local community groups, including sports teams, to assist with the design and execution of the project. Activities will include laying out the plots, planting, fencing, and watering the new saplings and seedlings until they are established.

Tree planting is scheduled for November of this year. Those interested in participating or seeking more information can contact CTEC Chair, Jessica Romeo, at jessica.romeo@gmail.com. This project offers a unique opportunity for community members to directly contribute to the enhancement and preservation of their local environment.