The Emerson Environmental Commission

This commission assists the Mayor and Borough Council with short and long-term planning with respect to environmental issues. Comprised of volunteers, Emerson’s Environmental Commission traditionally hosts its meetings on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Please see the Borough calendar for the latest meeting dates.

Similar to Environmental Commissions throughout New Jersey, this team uses thorough research and expertise to support the health and well-being of our community and to help advise local government and residents on environmental issues, laws and programs. This Commission operates in adherence to its latest, approved 2023 Bylaws.

Throughout the year, this Commission’s meeting minutes and progress reports will be posted on to the Borough website for all residents’ reference. If you have any ideas or questions for this Commission, we encourage you to join any of its monthly meetings or directly email the team at envsec@emersonnj.org.

Emerson Earth Month

This annual campaign was focused on engaging Emerson residents and their families around events and resources related to environmental topics and sustainable living. The Environmental Commission had another successful lineup of events for Earth Month 2024 including the DPW Truck & More Tour, Sustainability Storytime with Mayor DiPaola and the Community Garden Opening Day. Check back for more events throughout the year!

Be sure to follow the EEC's Facebook page (Emerson Environmental Commission) and on Instagram (@Emerson.Environmental.NJ) for event details and updates.

The Emerson Community Garden

Located within Centennial Park, across from the Emerson Jr. Sr. High School on Main Street, you'll find Emerson's Community Garden. Plots are open to all Emerson residents and are reserved and assigned on a first come, first served basis. All plots are assigned on a lottery drawing basis.

The Community Garden will officially reopened on Sunday, April 28th during Emerson's 2024 Earth Month Celebration.

The Commission is actively fundraising to repair our community garden beds and obtain needed supplies. Please consider supporting the Emerson Environmental Commission in the following ways:

Checks donations payable to “The Borough of Emerson,” with “Emerson Environmental Commission,” or “EEC” indicated in the Check Note
Product / Service gift cards or items suitable for giveaways at Commission events.
Purchasing any item from our Commission “Wish List” found at here.

The Emerson Woods Preserve

One of the Commission’s primary responsibilities is to oversee the health and well-being of the 19+ acres of the Emerson Woods. In line, we look to engage local communities in its preservation with various programs throughout the year as we look to oversee the wood’s use, maintenance, and restoration. This includes:

Annual Woods clean up collaboration with the Emerson Jr. Sr. High School
Collaborating with local and national associations for needs such as plant inventory, trail assessment, grant submissions, and many others
Managing a visitor log book and kiosk signage

Access the Emerson Woods Map

View our virtual log book.

Additional Programming Throughout the Year

In addition to championing the Borough’s Woods and Community Garden, the EEC facilitates various community engagement programs throughout the year including but not limited to:

Townwide garage sale
Memorial School’s Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Event
Collaboration with the Boys and Girls Scouts
Community Garden Social Events
Educational classes
Recycling drives

Friendly Reminder: Promoting Proper Pet Waste Disposal:

Every pet owner in Emerson plays a part in preventing water pollution in our rivers and streams. Be a good neighbor and pick up after your pets, both at home and on public land. Scoop it. Bag it. Trash it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, dogs can serve as the hosts for up to 65 diseases that can be transmitted to humans. If left on the ground, these parasites, bacteria, and viruses can contaminate the water, soil, and infect both pets and humans. Every time it rains, pet waste left on the ground makes its way to our waterways causing elevated levels of bacteria in our rivers and streams. Studies have found that 20% of the bacteria contaminating some waterways can be traced back to the digestive system of dogs. For more information and tips for helping to promote proper disposal, please click here to view our Pet Waste one pager PDF.

2024 Environmental Commission Members:

Jessica Timmerman, Commission Chair
Lindsay Verrico
Eric Ciavaglia
Brooke Castillo
Jennifer Palko
Walter Romanski
Jessica Bigos
Amanda Riccardi, Alternate I
Cecilia Buffa, Alternate II

Student Liaison(s): TBD
Commission Secretary: Marie Shust
Email: envsec@emersonnj.org
Council Liaison: Councilwoman Ashley Rice

Last updated 8/19/2024 1:17:56 PM