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Environmental Advisory Committee

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Presenting Slow Mow Summer!

What is it? Slow Mow Summer is a new lawn care approach that encourages homeowners to manage their lawns as “pollinator lawns.”  Such lawns are mowed less frequently in Spring, Summer, and Fall to support pollinating insect populations that contribute to our overall ecosystem. It's an extension of the “No Mow May,“ initiative from several years ago. Slow Mow Summer advocates for maintaining slightly taller grass (6 “) and allow low-growing flowering plants to bloom during the growing season. Landowners adopting these beneficial practices can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable lawn while saving money and time on lawn care. By doing less, we all get more.

What are the benefits?  

  • Less mowing
    • Less noise & pollution from gas-powered mowers & blowers 
  • Less watering
    • Taller grass has deeper roots so it is more drought-tolerant
  • Less fertilizer is needed
  • No need for pesticides & herbicides
    • These chemicals will harm pollinators and the plants they rely on. 
  • Supports our local environment
    • We will have more butterflies, native bees & other beneficial insects 
      • NJ has over 350 species of native bees. These are not honeybees, they do not live in hives, and normally do not sting
    • More birds
    • Better water quality in local streams since fewer pesticides & fertilizers will be in stormwater runoff 

Are there any negatives? 

Not everyone appreciates flowers growing in their lawns, as some may see these as undesirable weeds. That is OK, since this is completely voluntary. No one is required to do this.

READ THE FULL HANDOUT HERE

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE PURPOSE

The Environmental Advisory Committee is intended to serve in an advisory capacity and shall provide information, advice and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council relating to environmental issues which impact or are perceived to have a potential impact on the Borough.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Environmental Advisory Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Study and make reports and recommendations to the Borough Council from time to time regarding environmental issues such as recycling, land use and development, solid waste management, toxic materials storage, air and water pollution, open space preservation, water resources management, energy conservation and the like;
  • Serve as a repository of information about environmental issues relating to the Borough of Waldwick which have been developed in the performance of its tasks;
  • Recommend to the Borough Council, subject to funds being available, the hiring of experts to assist the Environmental Advisory Committee in carrying out its duties.

If you are interested and wish to be considered for one of our Boards, Commissions, or Committees, please download the Citizen Leadership Application and submit to the Municipal Clerk Kelley Halewicz at khalewicz@waldwicknj.org

Environmental Committee Members:

Thomas McCormick, Executive Director
David Isaacs
David Zilkowski
Joseph Oravetz
Dr. Mohammad Quamrul Ahsan
Dan Montella
Meghan Bisi
Mark Ramundo - Council Liaison

GREEN TEAM DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Municipal Council established the Waldwick Green Team on March 10, 2020 with the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Support the Environmental Advisory Committee on ways to promote sustainable practices and environmental improvements that upon an affirmative vote of the Environmental Advisory Committee can be sent to the Municipal Council for consideration/implementation.
  • Assist the Borough in seeking to attain Sustainable Jersey certification.
  • All proposed requests supporting sustainability and environmental actions for the Borough of Waldwick must be approved by the Mayor and Council before the Environmental Advisory Committee and/or Waldwick Green Team can implement or execute them.

Green Team Members:

Thomas McCormick, Executive Director
Debbie Burke
Catherine (Cassie) Hartmann
Helga Hauksdottir
Lina Isaacs
Brian Ix
Lean Ix
Wendy Klein
Stanley M. Kowalski
Louis Manuppelli
Bianca Marosi
Daniel T. Montella
Paul Posillico
George D. Reskakis, D.D.S.
John Vervoort
Mark Ramundo - Council Liaison