Going green is no longer just a trend to follow; thinking about Mother Nature is now a way of life.
Conservationists and champions of the environment have long preached the benefits of recycling and protecting the natural settings around us. While a handful of visionaries followed the lead of individuals such as Capt. Bill Sheehan, of Hackensack Riverkeeper, and Lori Charkey, of Bergen SWAN, the nation-wide movement to watch over the Earth has only recently come to the forefront.
Hackensack, however, has been doing its part to protect the environment, despite the man-made pollution that continues to line the river bearing the city’s name. Through educational programs sponsored town organizations and schools, as well as cleanups along the banks of the Hackensack, the city did much to promote Earth Day and last month’s Go Green observance.
But Hackensack’s efforts have been ongoing, and the city was once again recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation, which applauds municipalities throughout the country that demonstrate excellence in environmental conservation.
For the 16th year in a row, the foundation presented the City of Hackensack with the Tree City U.S.A. designation. The label is bestowed upon a town that meets four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation.
City officials and school children celebrated Arbor Day last week during ceremonies at Johnson Park. There, third and fourth graders from Holy Trinity School joined the Hackensack Parks Department and planted 10 Kousa Dogwood trees at the city’s tree park. The students also toured Hackensack’s greenhouse and learned about the various plants and flowers that grow there.
"Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns and provide environmental and economic benefits," John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation, said in a news release.
"A community and its citizens that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for it trees deserves recognition and thanks."
For its efforts, the City of Hackensack and Mayor Jorge Meneses was scheduled to receive the Tree City U.S.A. banner and plaque during Hackensack High School’s Beautification Program exercises yesterday.
