Before we begin, I would like to think, ‘OUT LOUD’, concerning, the first part of the above subject title, “Spring has sprung!!??”  With the longer daylight hours, flowering trees and plants, wildlife showing off their, ‘new offspring’, many wonderful outdoor activities throughout our region, etc., etc., + throw in the fact it is MAY! 

I do want to believe and accept the fact – Spring has sprung!!??  However, there is one ‘caveat’ to that sentiment and that ‘caveat’ involves one key word, TEMPERATURE and a secondary word, WIND!  Correct me if I’m wrong, BUT, those two words, have at least up until now, KINDA, consistently, put a damper on and ‘over-shadowed’ the concept of “Spring had sprung”!  Everything has sprung EXCEPT warmth??  Well, regardless of the temperature, the second part of my subject title is totally accurate – there are many, many wonderful activities taking place throughout our region.

Today’s Photo of the Week article involves two exciting programs which took place, Friday, April 29^th on the school grounds of Mountain Villa School.  I would also like to thank all the First Graders for participating along with their teachers and Dr. Melissa Sabol, School Superintendent.

FIRST PROGRAM – Planting of a seedling from the Historic Salem White Oak

The NJ Forest Service Nursery’s ‘Salem Oak Tree Project’  “Although the historic Salem Oak Champion Tree has fallen, it’s seedlings will live on.  One seedling per Municipality.  Allamuchy Township submitted its application and then made arrangements to pick its seedling up at the NJ Forest Service Nursery in Andover. The following is describing how this tree will be used on the application ***Allamuchy Township’s Open Space Program & Environmental Commission will partner with Mountain Villa School to provide a safe site on school property where this seedling can grow in a safe and protected setting. This site will also be developed so that the public along with our students over the generations will have access and can observe this tree develop. Signage will be provided telling the Salem Oak’s Story and also the story of how the Rutherfurd Family loved importing and planting exotic trees on their 6,000 acre estate. We see this as a wonderful program celebrating Historical and Environmental lore for generations to come.*** 

The following is a letter from Allamuchy Township Mayor Rosemary Tuohy to Dr. Melissa Sabol, Superintendent, Allamuchy Schools regarding this Salem Oak Tree Project

Dear Dr. Sabol:

The Township of Allamuchy will be receiving a seedling from the Historic Salem White Oak at the end of April. The seedling will be small and will need to be planted shortly after receipt in an area protected from wildlife and trampling.  We also would like to see the seedling planted in an area that would not only allow it to grow and thrive, but would provide access to the public for educational purposes. In considering many areas of Allamuchy, we believe that the grounds of Rutherfurd Hall would be the ideal location. With that in mind, we would like to request permission from the Board of Education to plan the seedling in the area on the front lawn, between the marquee and the original entrance gate.

We believe that a partnership between the Township and the Allamuchy School District would provide a unique educational experience and give the community the opportunity to watch history grow, in an historic setting. The Allamuchy Environmental Commission, with support of the Township, would be responsible for the ongoing care and upkeep of the seedling as it matures.

We hope that the Board of Education can support us in this endeavor. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Tuohy

Allamuchy Township Mayor

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony began when Allamuchy Green Team Director Claire Arcaro led the first graders to the planting site.  A short history of the tree’s story was told and then the students witnessed the planting of the seedling and then participated in a hands on watering and mulching of the site.  A protective fence was place around the seedling for protection. 

SECOND PROGRAM

After the tree ceremony, Rich Sharrett, Allamuchy PTO (Parent Teachers Organization) President led everyone back towards the school near the outdoor classroom section of the property.  There the students were introduced to a new project, which when completed would allow the students to monitor activities inside several bird houses.  Rich Sharrett explained how he had mounted a camera inside the bird house and once birds built a nest and had eggs, the students could monitor the activities within the bird houses, right from inside their classrooms at Mountain Villa School.  It was obvious from watching the young students, that they will be looking forward to “Watching Nature in Action” with this wonderful new program!  Congratulations and Thank You Rich Sharrett on a wonderful project.

Well, I certainly have to believe Spring has Sprung throughout Warren County and our region!!  Hope you enjoyed your visit with this week’s Photo of the Week’s activities!!

One more quick point:  Friday April 29^th was NATIONAL ARBOR DAY.  Arbor Day may not be the kind of major holiday that closes schools or banks, but it is an opportunity for people to make a difference in their communities through learning about the importance of trees and helping plant new ones. National Arbor Day 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the first Arbor Day in the United States, highlighting the long history of tree planting celebrations in communities across the country.

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman

Allamuchy Historical Society – President