Hopewell Township recently learned that it has once again earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA.
Commenting on this recognition in a letter to the Township, the Arbor Day Foundation said: “Residents of your community should be proud to live in a place that makes the planting and care of trees a priority, and you should be proud of a job well done!” As an official Tree City USA, Hopewell Township is one of 3,400+ communities across the country.
Commenting on this recognition, Mayor Michael Ruger said, “Hopewell Township has always prided itself on preserving its rural character and protecting the environment, farmland and open space. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change, can help reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds, and play a major role in improving mental and physical health.”
Ruger added, “And I am proud to announce that we will be planting an additional 31 trees at Woolsey Park this Spring, adding a selection of native species that thrive in this area.”
Last year, Hopewell Township planted one of the saplings from New Jersey’s famed Salem Oak at the park, and the park also serves as one of the test sites for a new, blight-resistant variant of the American Chestnut tree.
Committee member Kevin Kuchinski said, “I’m thankful for all the amazing people and organizations in Hopewell Valley who we’ve partnered with to become a Tree City USA. And on the latest plantings at Woolsey Park, I would like to thank, in particular, Lennar who generously donated these trees to the Township, for the benefit of current residents and future generations.”
Hopewell Township will hold an Arbor Day celebration Saturday, April 29 at 10am at Woolsey Park where long-time EC volunteer Nora Sirbaugh will be honored.
