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 the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to plant approximately 150 trees along Peters Brook’s riparian buffer zone. This area has long suffered from severe stormwater flooding, leading to erosion and instability of its banks, explained Timarie Diehl, a member of the commission. The loss of trees during past hurricanes has further weakened the buffer’s ability to manage stormwater runoff, resulting in flooding that impacts both Somerville and neighboring downstream communities, she added.
To address these challenges, the Environmental Commission partnered with the Borough of Somerville and NJDEP to launch a reforestation initiative. “By restoring vegetative barriers along Peters Brook, we aim to reduce the impact of inland flooding, stabilize the waterway, and enhance local resilience against increasingly severe storms,” said Diehl. “The project spans four parks, adjacent streets, and sections of the Greenway, ensuring a widespread positive impact on the community. These newly planted trees represent a shared effort to make Somerville greener and more resilient.”
“We encourage residents to look for these new plantings and take pride in this collective achievement to protect and strengthen our town’s environment,” Diehl said.
About the event
Diehl attended the event along with Jeffrey Lamborn, Environmental Commission Chair. They received the award on behalf of the Somerville Environmental Commission.
Several hundred people also attended the event at Rowan College in Mt Laurel, NJ. The assembled local environmentalists from throughout New Jersey learned about the state’s biggest environmental threats and community challenges including: climate change, flooding, protecting air and water quality, waste reduction, transitioning to clean and renewable energy, and creating more equitable access to open space. The Environmental Congress featured a full day of inspirational speakers and practical information, kicked off by NJ State Climatologist David Robinson. NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette was also on hand to address major environmental issues facing NJ today.
“ANJEC was excited to celebrate the impressive accomplishments of local environmentalists throughout the state, and this year’s Environmental Achievement Awards and Municipal Leader Awards represent the most creative, committed, hard-working change makers in the field,” said ANJEC Executive Director Jennifer Coffey. “We’re committed to continue equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to continue their vital work.”
About the association
ANJEC is a 55-year-old nonprofit based in Mendham with a mission to promote local action to protect and restore New Jersey’s natural resources and to ensure healthy communities for today and the future. ANJEC advances its mission by engaging in equitable and inclusive practices through leadership, partnerships, education, advocacy for strong public policy and in support of environmental commissions, public officials, and communities throughout New Jersey.