Open Space and environmental commission pursue Sustainable Jersey recertification and a heat-mapping grant

Open Space staff and the environmental commission updated the committee on two sustainability initiatives: pursuing Sustainable Jersey recertification and applying for a Center for Collaborative Heat Science grant to collect localized temperature data.

Staff said the green team was reappointed and the committee is preparing the May initial submittal and the full recertification package (due in September). Actions already completed—such as a local health assessment and community energy plan—contributed significant points toward recertification; staff said a few previously submitted items had expired and would need replacement or supplemental documentation.

Separately, staff said the township applied for a national Center for Collaborative Heat Science grant (a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law program) to deploy heat sensors and collect data at open spaces to map how tree canopy and preserved land affect localized temperatures. The grant would fund citizen-science measurements and collaboration with the Shade Tree Commission; staff noted only 10 grants are being awarded nationwide and results were uncertain.

Committee members described early citizen-science temperature readings showing measurable drops under tree canopy and urged staff to proceed if the grant is awarded; staff said they would coordinate with Shade Tree on targeted plantings and stewardship strategies if they receive funding.