The Merchantville Green Team and Incredible Edible Merchantville met on March 21st at Eclipse Brewing to get updates on projects and discuss plans for 2023. Dorothy Foley shared that the Borough's Sustainable Jersey certification application was submitted on 2-26-23, the next submission is due May 12th & final submission on July 27th. Comments and feedback on our 2023 action plans and innovative projects will be available beginning of April and, so far, the Green Team Action was approved. The GT is working with the Diversity
Committee members Cindy Morales and Ruby Delarosa on a diversity and equity profile. The Market Off Centre will run from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on the following first Fridays 5/5, 6/2, 7/7, 8/4, 9/1, 10/6. The Trex bench has been received for the Healing Garden and just needs to be assembled. Kerry Metzler and Lynn will run the Shade Tree's annual tree seedling giveaway on 4/29at The Station. The Garden Club and IE will partner with them on the same day at a plant and seeds exchange. An update on the Triangle Redevelopment and DOT Grant Pedestrian Walkway was provided by Councilman Ray Woods. Ron Smith has ordered more seeds from Ernst Conservation for the pollinator gardens on the trail to try and remediate mugwort. Dorothy presented some ideas on the Community Solar program and Community Energy Efficiency.
An Incredible Edible report was shared by Joan Brennan. IE submitted updates on their 2021 actions to Dorothy for Sustainable Jersey and is working on three Innovative Projects for 2023. #1 is Vertical Container Gardening for MES, #2 - White Dutch Clover Seeding Trial and #3 - Stockton Maple Tree tapping HUB - more information will be available as these projects are developed. IE will share a table with the GT at the Community Round-Up on March 22nd. We will be soil testing the Sunflower Patch on the trail to determine whether it is now suitable for a vegetable garden. Plans for the Healing Garden at Wellwood Park are moving along and we are just awaiting bids on the cement path. Our monthly meetings will now take place during GT meetings to avoid overwhelming volunteers with evening meeting obligations. Joan will continue to publish and drive content for Borough Sustainability Partners on Merchantville Online and its social media sites.
Updates from the Shade Tree Commission were provided by Lynn Geddes and Ray Woods. They discussed their Sustainable Jersey actins including the Community Forestry Plan at the west end of the trail, access to the Tree Inventory and the current Tree Ordinance. Plans for the tiny forest are progressing and they are looking for grant funds.
If you're interested in sustainability please feel free to join us! All are welcome!