A key topic was the introduction of a catch basin program designed to improve stormwater management. The program, modeled after successful initiatives in other municipalities like Berkeley Heights, involves residents “adopting” local catch basins to help clean and maintain them. This effort aims to alleviate some of the workload from the Public Works Department and reduce flooding in prone areas. Participation in the program requires a fee, which varies based on whether the storm inlets have been mapped in a Geographic Information System (GIS).

A member who attended a national webinar on catch basin programs explained that Berkeley Heights’ initiative, launched in 2021, had received grant funding to support its activities. The program provided participants with kits containing gloves and trash bags, encouraging community involvement. The member suggested that Cranbury could similarly benefit from integrating local data with the adopted catch basin initiative to maximize the utility of previously collected environmental information. Creative outreach methods, such as competitions for naming drains and community events, were mentioned as effective strategies to promote the program locally.

Discussions also addressed the technical aspects of the program, such as submitting GIS coordinates for municipal inlets to facilitate resident participation. It was noted that over 900 inlets exist in Cranbury, with around 600 classified as municipal, while the rest belong to the county or state. The exclusion of state and county inlets, particularly those along Route 130, was justified due to jurisdictional and safety concerns. The commission agreed that the next steps would involve presenting the program to the Township Committee to outline progress and seek further support.

In addition to the catch basin program, the commission discussed the recent success of Cranbury Day, where community engagement was notably high. The macroinvertebrate display, featuring various species from Cranberry Brook, drew significant interest from attendees, especially children who enjoyed viewing specimens under a microscope. The distribution of trail maps was also well-received.

The commission further reviewed the town’s achievements in sustainable practices, highlighting Cranbury School’s silver recertification from Sustainable Jersey for Schools. Maintaining communication about local trails, such as the Brook Trail connecting to Unami Woods, was deemed critical. Although some trail maintenance had been completed, additional efforts, including clearing thorn bushes and managing poison ivy, were still necessary. The use of herbicides for poison ivy management in parks was debated, with the need to confirm township policies before proceeding.

Another discussion centered on the development of an outdoor space at the school, a project that had involved collaboration among various stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and Master Gardeners. The master plan for the space included play areas, outdoor classrooms, and native garden features, with an emphasis on securing financing through internal township budgets, grants, or corporate sponsorships. The commission also addressed the “Leave the Leaves” initiative, clarifying its distinction from the removal of leaves from streets to prevent storm drain clogs.

An update on the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife certification revealed progress in habitat registrations, with 33 habitat points accumulated out of the required 100 within one year. The commission acknowledged that achieving the certification typically takes about two years and planned to focus on individual properties and community engagement to meet the goal.

The meeting also touched on recent events organized in collaboration with Penn Medicine, including a nature walk at the Cranbury Brook Preserve. The event was well-received, but there was a suggestion to improve communication to ensure appropriate audience targeting based on trail conditions and accessibility. Better signage at trail entrances, specifically at Pino Oaks, was proposed, potentially as a Boy Scout project to enhance trail visibility.

Towards the end of the meeting, the commission discussed marketing efforts for upcoming garden tours and other environmental initiatives, emphasizing spring as a favorable time for outreach. The need for budget preparation for 2025 and gathering approximate costs related to the outdoor space project was also highlighted.