WEST WINDSOR: Township wins 2 top green honors

By Allison Musante, Staff Writer
   WEST WINDSOR — As part of the township’s ongoing commitment to environmental-friendly practices, Mayor Shing-Fu announced last week that the township received two top honors from the state.
   The township received a Clean Communities Grant in the amount of $43,092 from the state General Assembly. The funds are to be used for litter clean-up efforts. Mayor Hsueh said some of the funds will go towards holding two Dumpster Day events and installing new trash receptacles in parks and athletic fields.
   ”This grant is another example of the ongoing efforts we’ve made to save taxpayers money as well as preserving our environment,” the mayor said.
   For the 32nd consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation gave West Windsor its Tree City USA designation, a title given to municipalities who meet the standards of having a Shade Tree Commission, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program and an annual Arbor Day observance.
   ”The Shade Tree Commission has been an incredible asset to the township and helps to ensure that West Windsor remains a green and sustainable community,” the mayor said. “The Tree City USA program continues to encourage and guide municipalities like West Windsor to pursue the creation and care of increased treed areas providing for the health and enjoyment of all.”
   West Windsor is one of six other municipalities with such a record, according to the foundation.
   ”We commend West Windsor elected officials, volunteers, and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economical, and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”
   This year’s Arbor Day celebration took place on April 30 at the Ronald P. Rogers Arboretum. Prizes were awarded to the winners of an art contest held at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.
   The day also included remarks from district Supt. Victoria Kniewel, poetry from local Girl and Boy Scout troops and a ceremonial planting of a space shuttle pine. The tree, germinated in the NASA shuttle, was one of 15 seedlings given to state municipalities.