By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — The Environmental Commission has begun a new “green” tradition: its tree donation program.
A 14-foot Norway Spruce “Lights on the Square” tree was planted in Rocky Brook Park in January.
The Lights on the Square tree was donated by Hightstown residents Dan Buriak and Mike Schmidt, who had purchased it from Greg McLaughlin, of McLaughlin Tree Farm, in Robbinsville. The tree was positioned in Monument Square during the holidays prior to moving to its final destination at the park.
The arrival and planting of the tree required a community effort.
First dug in mid-November, the tree arrived just before Thanksgiving in time for “Lights on the Square” event that was held at the Civil War Monument on Nov. 25. In addition, the garlands that were draped from the monument along with the wreath that hung on the house beside the monument, also came from Mr. McLaughlin’s farm and were purchased by Dan Buriak.
"I was glad to be a part of the event and proud to have one of our trees placed at the memorial,” said Mr. McLaughlin. “I believe it was a great gesture by Dan that epitomizes the spirit of the season and reflects on community, while also in some way giving recognition to our . . . men and women (in the military).”
The tree donation program serves the Borough and its residents in many ways while protecting the environment. This was the main goal of the Environmental Commission as it implemented this program.
"A few years ago the Environmental Commission was trying to think of a way to get more trees with our limited resources,” said Barbara Jones, chair of the Hightstown Environmental Commission. “One idea was to have community members buy live Christmas trees and then donate them to the borough, accomplishing two objectives: planting trees and getting a write-off for a donation, after the holidays.”
"We had some success and with the help of the department of Public Works, we were able to plant the trees in various places in the Borough. Better Beginnings donated several trees and asked that they be planted in Rocky Brook Park. The organization takes the children there a lot and thought it would be nice for the children to watch them grow and take “ownership” of the trees,” said Ms. Jones.
"Other Christmas trees were planted at the Borough’s Wastewater Plant . . . I think it is another nice aspect of living in a small town with a sense of community. Hopefully, we can continue with this tradition and have Christmas trees in many places throughout the Borough,” said Ms. Jones.
"There were a few trees donated by an anonymous person to represent each of the classrooms at Better Beginnings,” said Luz Horta, executive director of Better Beginnings in Hightstown.
The trees were donated around two to three years ago.
"Eventually, we plan to get markers to mark the different classrooms: lollipops, super doopers, smilies, heart friends, and super Bs,” added Ms. Horta.
"When they did the planting the children were involved in going there and seeing the trees going up. We do walk over there and see how the trees are coming along and growing.”
Said Mr. Buriak, “My partner and I are happy to contribute to our community, and to see a part of last year’s investment as a living, majestic tree to be enjoyed for years to come is a great, local green tradition for us to be able to join as orchestrated by the Environmental Commission.”
He continued, “When planning the event, I was inspired by a story told to me by Ms. Kathryn Dennis, the late, witty editor of the Hightstown Gazette, a former local newspaper. The large pine tree in Memorial Park that sits on the northern bank of Rocky Brook was donated by Kathryn in memory of her brother George who died in World War II. That tree used to be decorated with lights for many years during the winter holidays.
"It is those types of connections that give Hightstown her nostalgia, where generations of residents’ stories weave together our enduring small town fabric,” Mr. Buriak said. “Perhaps, in 2021, when the town celebrates 300 years during its tricentennial, 10 living pine trees that will have been planted in Hightstown’s parks — some that will have grown quite tall by then — could be lit during the winter holidays recalling years of memories via this green winter tradition.”
"Buy a significant tree and we will put your name on a plaque,” said Gary Grubb, member of the Parks and Environmental Commission, as he described the tree donation program.
The Lights on the Square tree was moved to the park on Jan. 7.
Mr. Grubbs stated, “Yan Troizier, another member of Parks and Environmental Commission, went and helped to pick out the spot and we got it marked,” Mr. Grubbs said.

