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Environmental Advisory Council outlines volunteer events, Bird Town work and grant spending
Summary
The EAC told council it plans an April 18 roadside cleanup and a May 18 Greenup Day, reported gold-level Bird Town certification and a $1,000 Audubon grant (use by June 30), and urged more council liaison participation as it returns toward in-person meetings.
The Franklin Park Environmental Advisory Council reported a return to in-person activity and new outreach plans at the borough's April working session, including two volunteer events and a small grant to support pollinator work.
The EAC co-chair told council the advisory body meets monthly and has scheduled a roadside trash pickup for April 18 and a Greenup Day at Acorn Park on May 18. The EAC is experimenting with hybrid meeting formats but "we're moving toward going into meeting in person and expecting members to attend meetings," the co-chair said, urging that staff liaison Zach attend meetings when possible to help the group stay focused.
The EAC highlighted its recent Bird Town achievements: the borough received Bird Town certification (gold) following its 2025 submission, and the EAC received a $1,000 grant from the Audubon Society that must be spent by June 30. The co-chair said the funds could be used for educational programming or small infrastructure such as bird houses, and that the group is still deciding how to allocate the money.
The council and EAC also reviewed other programs from the past year: a "remarkable trees" nomination program that has waned in interest, volunteer donations of books for elementary libraries, participation in the Christmas bird count, and planting milkweed near the community garden to support monarchs. The EAC described Oakley Lane tree work and its involvement in researching alternatives to herbicides such as Roundup, and said it is tracking solar opportunities and state-level programs that might support rooftop or grant-funded installations.
The EAC reported recent member turnover and recruitment: two new members who are environmental consultants joined late last year, leaving one open seat. The co-chair described the standard appointment process: applicants submit forms, attend council interviews and are appointed by council.
The EAC requested that council consider logistical details that affect volunteer turnout, including schedule conflicts (the April 18 cleanup overlaps Blueberry Park opening day) and police support at Five Points. The co-chair said the EAC will publicize events on the borough website and in the newsletter and will circulate waivers and volunteer lists to participants.
What happens next: the EAC will finalize grant spending plans, continue outreach on invasive-species and deer issues raised by residents, and return to council as needed for appointment approvals and program coordination.
