April 26, 2024

Sparta Environmental Commission Plans Arbor Day Event at the Sparta Glen

The Sparta Environmental Commission partnered with the SCMUA-Wallkill River Watershed Management Group to plan an Arbor Day educational event for Sparta Middle School life science students. Through grant funding provided by ANJEC (Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions), an additional 150 native trees were planted in the Sparta Glen township park to replace ash trees lost because of the emerald ash borer. As part of the day, students also learned about invasive plants and animals from the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team, went on a hike through the Sparta Glen with the NJ Highlands Coalition to explore the NJ Highlands region, studied the impact of pollution and stormwater runoff on the Glen Brook with the SCMUA-Wallkill River Watershed Management Group, and learned about macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) for stream health through a lesson provided by the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador for the Wallkill River Watershed.

April 12, 2024

Environmental Commission and AmeriCorps NJ Hold Rain Barrel Building Event

Sparta, NJ – The Sparta Township Environmental Commission partnered with the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador Program to host a rain barrel workshop at the Sparta Township Municipal Building on April 6, 2024.  14 residents attended the rain barrel training and learned how rain barrels can help conserve water and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering local rivers and streams during rainfall events.  A total of 10 rain barrels were constructed during the event and will be installed at participants' homes to provide water to backyard gardens.  The barrels will capture an estimated 14,000 gallons of rainwater annually.  The barrels were donated by Ocean Spray and all hardware was provided by the SCMUA-Wallkill River Watershed Management Group.

About Township of Sparta Environmental Commission

The Township of Sparta Environmental Commission is made up of resident volunteers, plus a Town Council liaison and a Secretary (town employee); Individuals are appointed by the mayor and serve terms of 2-3 years. Established for the protection and use of our natural resources, the Environmental Commission works on (and advocates for) many topics, including:  open space preservation, smart growth, wetlands and water resource protection, green infrastructure, protection of flora and fauna, wildlife habitat, landscape protection, recycling, air pollution control, energy efficiency and conservation. 

A core function of the Environmental Commission is to review and provide input on many Planning Board and Zoning Board applications, highlighting environmental risks, concerns, and questions.  Acts as an advisory board, meaning the Environmental Commission does not have approval or policy-making authority.  However, it has roles in research, advocacy, and forming recommendations.  Email:  Environmental@SpartaNJ.org; Meetings:  2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm, Municipal Building — Please join us!