Spotlight Archive
Welcome to the Environmental Commission's Spotlight Archive Page! Here you will find news articles about the ongoing work the Commission is doing to preserve natural resources and provide a safe environment for residents and visitors.
Beware: Bird Flu outbreaks in New Jersey - March 6, 2026
Recently portions of trails in Dukes Island Park and the Environmental Center in Basking Ridge were temporarily closed due to the presence of dead birds from bird flu (Avian influenza).
Winter Salt Safety: How to Protect Your Water Supply and Environment – December 30, 2025
Winter weather in New Jersey means roads and sidewalks crusted with salt. The Environmental Commission provides tips and resources for residents to use salt responsibly this winter.
Garden State Under Drought Warning; Public Urged to Reduce Water Use – December 5, 2025
On Dec. 5, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statewide Drought Warning strongly urging residents and businesses to reduce water use because of persistent below-average precipitation and severely deteriorating water supplies.
Raritan Township Receives Bronze Sustainable Jersey Re-Certification – November 24, 2025
For the fourth consecutive year, Raritan Township was awarded their bronze-level Sustainable Jersey recertification at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon during the New Jersey League of Municipalities (“NJLM”) Conference in Atlantic City Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Don’t Trash That Halloween Pumpkin – Recycle It! – November 3, 2025
Residents looking to properly dispose of their Halloween pumpkin that was sitting on their front porch can visit two local places that will recycle their spooky pumpkin for FREE!
Raritan Township Native Plant Pollinator Garden Supports Native Wildlife Year-Round – August 4, 2025
Learn more about the Raritan Township Native Plant Pollinator garden outside the municipal building and its benefits.
Avoid Poison Hemlocks on Township Grounds – July 28, 2025
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Raritan Township Department of Public Works and Environmental Commission and its Green Team are advising parkgoers to be aware of and avoid poison hemlocks sprouting on township parks and open space grounds.
Cub Scout Pack 61 of Flemington Plants Trees at Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve – May 27, 2025
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — On May 3, Cub Scout Pack 61 of Flemington planted 96 tree seedlings at Raritan Township’s Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve. Township volunteers included 20 scouts, 20 parents and an ecologist who taught the scouts about the value of trees and how to plant them. The tree seedlings were obtained from Pinelands Nursery using funds from a stewardship grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and awarded to the Raritan Township Environmental Commission.
Environmental Commission Green Fair Shines Through Hazy Weather – May 8, 2025
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Residents and environmental enthusiasts brought along their green thumb at this year’s Green Fair, May 4. Sponsored by the Raritan Township Environmental Commission and Green Team, the Green Fair supplemented the opening day of the Hunterdon Community Farmers Market at Hunterdon Land Trust's Dvoor Farm. And despite the forecasted gloomy weather, the fair proceeded without any interruptions.
Environmental Commission Volunteers to Protect Raritan River Watershed – April 15, 2025
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Raritan Township’s Environmental Commission and Green Team worked to clean up the waterways during Raritan Headwaters Association’s (RHA) 35th Annual Stream Cleanup Event, Apr. 12.
Sustainable Jersey CERTIFIED: Raritan Township Achieves Bronze; Seeking Silver – January 27, 2025
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Last November, the Township of Raritan received its bronze-level Sustainable Jersey recertification at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon during the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) Conference in Atlantic City. With a current total of 250 points, the Environmental Commission and its Green Team is aspiring to achieve a Silver Certification by 2026.
Tree Committee Officially Established under the Environmental Commission – January 2, 2025
Last December, the Raritan Township Committee passed Ordinance No. 24-25 to amend and update the powers and duties of the Environmental Commission.
Raritan Township Achieves Bronze Sustainable Jersey Certification – December 5, 2024
RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Township of Raritan received its bronze-level Sustainable Jersey recertification at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon during the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) Conference in Atlantic City, November 19.
Raritan Township plants 300 Trees and Shrubs along the Walnut Brook – November 13, 2024
Earlier this year, the Environmental Commission applied for the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) Woods and Waterways Tree Planting Grant Program. After being awarded the grant, more than 20 Raritan Township volunteers and other municipalities planted 300 native trees and shrubs along the Walnut Brook in Mine Brook Park and Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve.
Raritan Township receives Environmental Achievement Award – November 4, 2024
Raritan Township has won the coveted Environmental Achievement Award at Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)’s 51st Annual Environmental Congress held on Sept. 27 at Rowan College in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
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