Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III toured several projects in Allamuchy concerning sustainability and the environment, visiting the native wildflower garden, wetlands gardens, community garden, and multiple certified wildlife habitats that provide educational, recreational, and wildlife-friendly areas throughout the township.

Planned by Claire Arcaro, Chair of Allamuchy Green Team and member of the Allamuchy Environmental Commission, the tour also included Allamuchy Mayor Rosemary Tuohy and Director of Open Space and Allamuchy Environmental Commission Chairman Charlie Fineran.

Allamuchy is working hard to become New Jersey’s next Certified Wildlife Habitat Township. There are only six throughout the state, but recent completion of multiple sites have earned Allamuchy points towards becoming recognized by Sustainable Jersey as a Certified Wildlife Township and they are getting closer every day.

“The Community Habitat program from the National Wildlife Federation gives us the framework to make a difference with our neighbors and help make our community healthier, greener, and more wildlife-friendly,” Arcaro explained, adding, “I am so very happy for the opportunity that Mayor Tuohy and the council have given the Green Team to work with the kids and dig in the dirt. I am also so grateful to Commissioner Kern for his support and embracing our work at the county level. Listening to our concerns goes a long way to resolving them.”

Reflecting on the tour, Commissioner Kern stated, “Allamuchy Township has accomplished so much with respect to creating wildlife habitats. I am so impressed by the volunteerism of Claire and Charlie and the leadership of Mayor Tuohy. Their love of the environment is inspirational and contagious. The careful planning and implementation of wildlife-friendly practices was evident in every habitat we visited. It was heartening to witness firsthand the positive impact these efforts have on the resident flora and fauna. I look forward to sharing these stories across our county so Allamuchy’s successes can be replicated.”

Creating a natural garden with native plants provides essential elements of a wildlife habitat: food, water, cover, and a place for wildlife to raise their young. One recent Allamuchy site includes a seedling from the historic Salem White Oak, which is now growing in a safe and protected setting. Allamuchy’s Open Space Program and Environmental Commission partnered with Mountain Villa School to provide the site for the Salem White Oak sapling on school property where the public and students will have access and can observe this tree grow over the generations.

“I would like to thank Claire Arcaro for an excellent tour,” said Fineran, adding, “and thank you Commissioner Kern and Mayor Tuohy for attending and your continued support for open space, the environment, and our historical sites.”