The Toms River Green Team has a new speaker series.
The Toms River Green team will be in partnership with the Toms River Regional School District to present the series.
The series, which will be held at Poseidon Academy Marine science building in downtown Toms River, will feature presentations on environmental and sustainable topics. Those topics include such issues as the state of the Barnegat Bay, the green economy, stormwater management and arts and its impact on the local economy.
Toms River Township Assistant Planner Erika Stahl said the series started in September.
“The only months we do not have a speaker set up are July and August. The rest of our months are filled up already,” Stahl said.
She said in September that the series had Business Improvement District Director Alizar Zorojew speak about green businesses, while in October, Graceanne Taylor presented about the Barnegat Bay Partnership and the Barnegat Bay.
In November, Stan Hales from the Barnegat Bay Partnership explained on what a comprehensive management plan is and why there is a need for update.
According to barnegatbaypartnership.org, the Barnegat Bay Partnership is a partnership of federal, state, municipal, academic, business and private organizations working together to help restore, protect and enhance the natural resources of the Barnegat Bay ecosystem.
The Toms River Regional School District received a Sustainable Jersey grant in 2017 funded by the Public Service Enterprise Group.
The $20,000 grant was used to remodel the aging Poseidon Academy marine science building, which is the venue for the speaker series.
“After the remodel of the Poseidon Academy, that is when we talked about beginning a speaker series,” Stahl said.
The next speaker scheduled Maria Sessa from JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light) who will be presenting on Storm restoration process & tools and Assistance programs. She will present on Dec. 18 from 6:30-8 p.m.
“With the cold season fast approaching the assistance programs can be extremely helpful for those who are in need of energy assistance to keep their houses warm,” Stahl said.
She said she hopes the community takes away from the series knowledge about different environmental issues and organizations.
“We have received a great response from the community. People have been enjoying the speakers. I am just very excited for this series. I am hopeful more residents will get involved,” Stahl said.
The second full year edition will begin in September of 2019.