Environmental Commission

Mission

The Environmental Commission's mission is to educate, advocate, and promote best policies and practices for the Borough's environment and the health and safety of its residents.

Quick links

What we do

The Environmental Commission (EC) is a volunteer advisory body appointed by the Borough Council. The Commission works to protect and improve the local environment by providing recommendations on policies, ordinances, and initiatives that support sustainability, conservation, and climate resilience. The EC engages with residents through educational programs, community projects, and advocacy efforts to promote responsible environmental stewardship.

The EC meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the Somerville Civic Center, where we plan and undertake a variety of initiatives to support the Borough’s environmental goals, including:

  • Organizing tree planting, habitat restoration, and green infrastructure projects to enhance biodiversity and improve air and water quality and flood resilience
  • Securing and managing grant funding for environmental projects to support our community
  • Leading public outreach and education programs on topics such as recycling, sustainable landscaping, energy efficiency, and climate resilience
  • Establishing and maintaining the Jay Scott Community Garden, which has become a vital community resource for local gardeners and sustainable food production
  • Partnering with local organizations, schools, and municipal departments to advance sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship across the Borough
  • Collaborating with Sustainable Jersey to certify our Borough as a leading sustainable municipality in NJ

Members

Environmental Commission

Members serve 2 or 3 year terms.

Name Term expiration
Timarie Diehl, Chair December 31, 2027 (3-year term)
Geoffrey Keiser, Vice-Chair December 31, 2026 (3-year term)
Sandra Benscoter, Secretary December 31, 2026 (2-year term)
Larry Cleveland, Planning Board Liaison December 31, 2025 (3-year term)
Geraldine DeSapio December 31, 2025 (3-year term)
Rebecca Reitman-Garofalo December 31, 2027 (3-year term)
Helene Venizelos December 31, 2026 (3-year term)
John Guarino, Alternate #1 December 31, 2026 (2-year term)
Jeffrey Lamborn, Alternate #2 December 31, 2025 (2-year term)
Glen Denys, Council Liaison December 31, 2025 (1-year term)

Green Team

Members serve 1 year terms, expiring December 31, 2025.

  • Thomas Auffenorde
  • Roberta Harmon
  • Liana Skye Garcia
  • Brittany Scoles Ricci
  • Melissa Smith-Shell
  • Gina Stravic
  • Carla Zapata Koblinski

News, tips and information

Somerville's Earth Day Green Fair, town clean up and town swap

Save the dates for Earth Day 2025

Posted on March 25, 2025

Celebrate Earth Day with the Environmental Commission the weekend of April 25, 26 and 27! We have 3 opportunities to join in the festivities and make an impact with our community! Here are the highlights, with complete information about each event listed further below. Weekend highlights These events are rain or shine. Town Clean Up and...
Environmental Commission volunteer opportunity

Join the Community Volunteer Day on April 5

Posted on March 18, 2025

The Somerville Environmental Commission invites you to lend a hand at our Community Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 5 to help prepare two important community spaces for the season. Date: Saturday, April 5 (rain date: Sunday, April 6) Time: Meet at 9 am Locations: Jay Scott Community Garden and Carol Pager Park How to participate...
New Jersey's Changing Climate with Dr. David Robinson

Learn about New Jersey’s changing climate

Posted on March 15, 2025

The Somerville Environmental Commission is hosting an educational event to understand the current and future state of New Jersey’s weather and climate. Save the Date Date: Monday, March 31, 2025 Time: 7 pm Location: Somerville Civic Center (24 Robeson St) Registration for this event opens on March 17. About the seminar New Jersey's Changing Climate...
Community Garden news and announcements

Community garden lottery opens on March 28

Posted on March 12, 2025

Save the date for the 2025 Jay Scott Community Garden plot lottery! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, the Environmental Commission invites you to submit your information to receive a vegetable garden bed for the year. How to get started Registration opens on March 28, 2025. Fill out the online application form...
news and information from the Environmental Commission

Environmental Commission wins achievement award

Posted on November 26, 2024

The Somerville Environmental Commission proudly received the prestigious Environmental Achievement Award at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) 51st Annual Environmental Congress on September 27. This recognition highlights the commission's commitment to environmental stewardship and its impactful reforestation efforts along Peters Brook Greenway. Earlier this year, the Environmental Commission secured a grant from...
2024 EV Show at the Somerville Street Fair and Craft Show

Electric Vehicle Show at Somerville Street Fair

Posted on September 23, 2024

Join us on Sunday, October 6, 2024, for Somerville’s exciting Electric Vehicle (EV) Show, held in conjunction with the Somerville Street Fair and Craft Show! Discover how driving electric can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and offer an enjoyable driving experience. EV enthusiasts and owners will share their insights, offer advice, and answer...
news and information from the Environmental Commission

Learn how to compost at home

Posted on September 18, 2024

Authored by the Somerville Environmental Commission of Somerville, New Jersey What is it? Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28% of what we throw away, and composting turns them into plant, tree and garden food! Making...
We planted 150 new trees!

Somerville plants 150 new trees with state grant

Posted on May 27, 2024

The Borough of Somerville completed a reforestation project and planted 150 tree saplings in 4 parks and along the Peter’s Brook greenway and intersecting streets. This project was funded by a $137,210 grant awarded to the Borough in 2022 by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The total project was estimated to cost $171,000 and...

More news, tips and information

Contact

EnvironmentalCommission@SomervilleNJ.org
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