At the dedication of the Eileen M. Heinzel Arboretum on June 7, Hopewell Valley Green Team and Environmental Commission member Joann Held spoke on behalf of those who brought the vision to life.
“Our vision was simple: to make the arboretum a place that is welcoming, educational, and interactive—whether you are a student, a nature lover, or simply looking to enjoy a walk among native trees and plants,” Held said. “Our hope is that this space will inspire others to get involved, to contribute to the dream of what more it can become.”
Like many public spaces, the arboretum began with a dream. It started to take shape in 2017, when Heinzel was serving as Borough Administrator. She agreed to assist Held—then acting chair of the Environmental Commission—and Alan Hershey of the Open Space Committee in their efforts to purchase the 2.8-acre wooded lot facing Curlis Avenue, behind Toll Gate Grammar School.
“Eileen was a strong advocate for open space and for the establishment of the arboretum,” said Councilwoman Kit Chandler, liaison to the Arboretum and Open Space committees. “She understood from the onset what a great space it would be for the community. The arboretum is dedicated to Eileen because of her volunteerism and how much she cared for this community—and we should all be inspired by her to do what’s best for our community.”
Heinzel’s son, Erich, spoke on behalf of his father, Paul, who attended but did not speak due to a recent knee injury. “She would have been overwhelmed by this. She would have said, ‘Wow!’” he said. Reflecting on her example of dedication and care, he noted the legacy she left for him and his three siblings.
Mayor Jim Davy praised Heinzel’s commitment to land stewardship and read a proclamation from state Sen. Shirley Turner recognizing Heinzel’s public service. Davy also thanked former Pennington Mayor Joe Lawver for working with Heinzel to help realize the arboretum.
The arboretum is now in the early stages of its master plan, completed in 2018 following a field assessment funded by a grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. The plan was developed in coordination with Chandler and members of the Environmental Commission, Open Space and Shade Tree committees, Parks and Recreation, the Green Team, and local volunteers, with stewardship guidance from Michael Van Clef of the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space.
In 2019, the Borough formally purchased the land from the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, using the town’s Open Space Fund and a grant from the New Jersey Green Acres Program. A resolution naming the arboretum in Heinzel’s honor was adopted in May 2024, and a second resolution to purchase the new entry sign followed in April 2025.
Chandler, local residents, and members of Boy Scout Troop 22 have helped shape the arboretum through hands-on work sessions, clearing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and improving access. That volunteer work continues.
“Our hope is to encourage others to get involved,” said Held. “The most important thing is that the arboretum is not a finished project. It is a living, growing space that will continue to evolve.”
The arboretum is just one of many contributions Heinzel made to the community. She served 10 years on Pennington Borough Council (2004–2014), eight years as Borough Administrator (2014–2022), 15 years on the Planning Board, 16 years with the Pennington Public Library, and helped lead numerous town initiatives.
“We wanted to create an experience that invites curiosity and connection,” said Held, adding that native plants and shrubs not only offer beauty, but provide vital habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
As the arboretum continues to take root, more native plants will be added, and educational QR codes will be installed along the paths, allowing visitors to learn about the diverse trees and shrubs—among them Silver Maple, American Elm, Sassafras, Wild Black Cherry, Red Mulberry, and Eastern Red Cedar.
A theme recalled by many who knew Heinzel was her love for family, friends and community. While walking upon the main arboretum path, visitors may pause for reflection when they come upon a plaque bearing a message:
“And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the earth.”
~ Eileen M. Heinzel, 1964–2022
For anyone looking to volunteer, there are cleanups happening on the property on June 21 and 28 from 10 a.m. – noon. Email any questions to Kit Chandler at [email protected].
