The Environmental Commission is pleased announce that the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) has approved a grant to complete the Borough’s first Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI). New Jersey law requires municipalities to maintain a natural resource inventory which identifies all open area (public and private) including marshland, swamps and other wetlands.

Taking an inventory of our natural resources is one of the best investments a community can make when making planning decisions. The final product not only ties in with the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, it will enhance and preserve our community and potentially ensure that areas of historic, cultural, scenic, and recreational potential are protected.

The Environmental Commission has been hard at work to raise funds for this project, and the Borough has supported the ERI project by matching funds. To date, funds from the Environmental Services Program have facilitated Phases I and II of the ERI project which are slated for completion this fall.

In an effort to share and improve upon the Phase I data that has been prepared by the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA), the PGEC would like to invite anyone who is aware of easements on their property to contact the commission to ensure an accurate inventory.

The stream monitoring workshop took place May 1 and was hosted by the Americorp Watershed Ambassador’s program. Participants spent the morning learning how to assess the health of a stream, and in the afternoon applied their knowledge in the field. Members of the Kenny family identified a stewardship project that he or she could manage. Picking up trash flowing downstream in Peapack Brook, weeding and mulching native plants along the brook, and sanding down benches were all tasks that will benefit everyone who enjoys the Preserve, including the wildlife.

Most recently, Diane Becker asked if the Recreation Commission could improve the appearance of the newly built retaining wall at the municipal complex. Thanks to a number of enthusiastic volunteers, a strip of sod was removed at the base of the wall and 30 Virginia creeper vines were planted in its place while the deer may ultimately determine the success of the project; the vine selected has been known to resist browse.

The commission would also like to thank those who have invested their time in protecting our natural resources with introduction of the Environmental Honor Roll. Members in the community who have contributed to a better environment in Peapack Gladstone will be listed in each publication of the Gazette. Volunteer efforts, such as participation in the stream monitoring workshop and the spring clean up in Rockabye Meadow, inspired Anita Smith and Lilibet Clarke to propose this honor roll.

Environmental Honor Roll

  • Jeannie Gilbert
  • M. Atkinson
  • Anne Terril
  • Richard Rampinelli
  • Chris Kenney
  • Tim Kenney
  • Sean Kenney
  • Bridget Kenney
  • John Duffy
  • Tabby Krier
  • Madison Taylor
  • Stephanie Samuelson
  • Brianna Cook
  • Rachel Ussery
  • Holly Lallis
  • Jackie Perotti
  • Grace Henderson
  • Cassidy Dixon
  • Gabriella Perez
  • McKinley Taylor
  • Paige Webb
  • Katie Haugh
  • Sara Finn
  • Jamie Lin Moschetto

There are a number of ways you can help be a steward of our environment. You patrol the litter in your neighborhood (that includes picking up after your dog), plant a tree in memory of a loved one, or offer to help with the number of projects that the Environmental Commission operates at Rockabye Meadow. Efforts will be recognized in every publication of the Gazette. Please contact the Commission if you are doing something to benefit the environment and in turn your community.