One item at the meeting centered on the upcoming Cranbury Day, where the Commission plans to host a table to engage the community and promote various environmental initiatives. The table, traditionally set up near the ballet school, will feature information on the Garden for Wildlife program. Members of the Commission will be available to share their experiences and insights on certification. To enhance community engagement, the idea of distributing flyers with QR codes was proposed, allowing residents to easily access further information on their mobile devices.

In addition to the Garden for Wildlife program, materials on residential stormwater management, specifically rain barrels, will be available. A member recounted past events where rain barrel demonstrations were well-received. The Commission will check on the availability of materials and promotional items from previous events, including signage.

An innovative concept presented was the “macroinvertebrate discovery tag,” aimed at engaging children and their parents. This activity involves collecting local stream invertebrates to demonstrate their ecological significance and role as indicators of water quality. By incorporating interactive elements, the Commission hopes to attract families and spark discussions on stormwater management and related topics.

The meeting also covered the “Adopt the Catch Basin” initiative. An upcoming webinar hosted by ANJ on September 10 will feature discussions on the program from guests at Hamline University in Minnesota. The initiative aims to reduce litter and enhance the effectiveness of the stormwater system. A member plans to attend the webinar and bring back valuable insights for the Commission. The community has shown positive feedback and interest in this program, highlighting its potential impact.

The inlet mapping project was another significant topic addressed during the meeting. Princeton High School students are involved in mapping stormwater inlets using GIS software, creating a complete inventory necessary for compliance with state regulations. Both the state and the township currently lack a comprehensive list of these inlets, making this project critical. The completion timeline for the mapping has been accelerated to fall.

Educational activities focusing on local aquatic ecosystems were also discussed. These activities will involve hands-on learning for children, using tools like “bubblers” and ice packs to maintain water temperature during field studies. Thermometers and a dissecting microscope will allow children to closely examine aquatic organisms. Locations for these activities include areas behind the firehouse and possibly the Millstone area. Identification keys will help recognize various species and their pollution sensitivity.

A marketing plan for the educational event was proposed, with potential names like “Creeping Crawling Critters of Cranberry Creek.” The idea of creating stickers of the organisms for children was also suggested, adding a fun and engaging element to the learning experience.

Additionally, the discussion touched on a recent walk at the Reinhardt property, where an email from a citizen raised concerns about overgrowth and fallen trees. The walk, initially planned for the Reinhardt property, was moved to the Cranberry Brook Preserve due to these conditions. The presence of poison ivy along the trail was noted, with a reminder that visitors do not have to step through it. The need for clearer maintenance protocols for the trails was highlighted, as there was uncertainty about whether the Environmental Commission or the township is responsible for maintaining these areas. The use of herbicides like Roundup for managing invasive plants was also questioned, pointing to a lack of clear policy on treatment methods in the preserves.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the condition of the trails, with a call for others to inspect and report any issues. There was a brief mention of a “mysterious black bag” found in the office, though details regarding its contents or relevance were not explored further.