2024 Updates
Butterfly Garden – 14th & Bay
2024 Members
Resolution 2023-03
Recording Secretary: Patricia Urso (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Member: Cindy Kleva (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Member: Lynda Roberts (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Resolution 2024-04
Chair: Brian Tracy (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025)
Vice Chair: Diane IL Grande (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025)
Member: Stephen McCarthy (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025)
Member: Barbara Silvi (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025)
Resolution 2024-03
Council Liaison Member: Ray Amabile (1-year term: 1/1/2024 – 12/31/2024)
2024 Meeting Dates
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., that the Borough of Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee has established the following schedule (beginning at 7:00 pm) for their Regular Committee Meetings for the Year 2024:
February 21
March 20
April 17
May 15
June 19
July 17
August- no meeting
September 18
October 16
November 20
December 11
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that these meetings will be held in the Borough Council Chambers located at Sixth & Central Avenues, Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752. Official Action May Be Taken.
Jenna Jankowski, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk
2024 Events
EAC ReClam the Bay Presentation 05.15.2024
EAC Stargazing Event Summary 06.15.2024
2023 Updates
2023 Members
Resolution 2022-03
Chair: Lilliana Amabile (2-year term: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023)
Vice Chair: Diane IL Grande (2-year term: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023)
Resolution 2022-53
Member: Barbara M. Silvi (2-year term: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023)
Resolution 2022-117
Member: Stephen McCarthy (2-year term: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023)
Resolution 2022-270
Member: Brian Tracy (2-year term: 1/1/2022 – 12/31/2023)
Resolution 2023-03
Recording Secretary: Patricia Urso (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Member: Cindy Kleva (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Member: Lynda Roberts (2-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2024)
Resolution 2023-04
Council Liaison Member: Ray Amabile (1-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2023)
2023 Meeting Dates
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., that the Borough of Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee has established the following schedule (beginning at 7:00 pm) for their Regular Committee Meetings for the Year 2023:
February 15, 2023
March 15, 2023
April 19, 2023
May 17, 2023
June 21, 2023
July 19, 2023
September 20, 2023
October 18, 2023
November 15, 2023
December 13, 2023
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that these meetings will be held in the Borough Council Chambers located at Sixth & Central Avenues, Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752. Official Action May Be Taken.
Jenna Jankowski, RMC, CMR
Deputy Clerk
2022 Updates
Don’t Just Recycle. Recycle Right!
A group of 20 residents attended the Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee’s public meeting on October 19, 2022. The goal of the meeting was to present new recycling rules for Ocean County and discuss local recycling and waste management issues.
Ocean County’s Department of Solid Waste Management was well-represented by Tanara Hall, Recycling Program Aide, who presented specific details about the proper recycling of paper, plastic, and metal items. Ms. Hall showed the audience examples of product packaging—both recyclable and non-recyclable—and fielded questions about recycling codes. For example, all plastics numbered 1, 2, or 5 are accepted; those numbered 3, 4, 6, and 7 are not. Aluminum, steel, and tin cans and foil are accepted at curbside, but not hazardous waste or pressurized cans. Glass bottles, jars, jugs, and containers are accepted as well as corrugated cardboard boxes. In addition, all recycled items should be clean and dry.
Eric Wojciechowski, Seaside Park Department of Public Works Supervisor and Municipal Recycling Coordinator, also spoke about his department’s efforts to educate residents, specifically the “Garbage & Recycling Guide” that is mailed each year. The Guide provides a comprehensive list of up-to-date recycling rules. Overall, education and outreach efforts have improved both local municipality and county recycling rates. Recycling programs are capturing more materials, providing significant financial and environmental benefits.
Since 2010, Ocean County has been operating a single-stream recycling system in order to collect and process recyclable materials, which means that all bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboard, junk mail, magazines, and mixed paper can be placed in one bin. These materials are sent to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Lakewood, where they are sorted and sent to end markets for further processing/recycling. In 2021, the stream of items was expanded to include cereal boxes, food boxes, tissue boxes, and paper towel/toilet paper rolls. Aluminum foil and aluminum trays that have been cleaned can also be recycled.
Interestingly, recyclable materials are considered a commodity, because they are bought and sold in the same way as raw materials, and prices fluctuate based on supply and demand in the United States and the world. Decades ago, Ocean County pioneered a unique program, known as recycling revenue sharing, whereby municipal governments receive a share of the revenue generated from the recyclable materials they collected, instead of paying to send more waste to the county landfill. From January to June 2022, more than 32,803 tons of material was recycled county-wide, and total recycling revenue was $1,933,664. Exactly one-half of that revenue will be returned to the 33 towns that participate in the program. Seaside Park’s share for 2022 will be approximately $5,000. Therefore, the more we recycle, the more money comes back to the town—and less garbage goes into the landfill.
For further details on recycling rules and updates, visit https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/solidwaste/frmRegContentSW.aspx?ID=e74c1d05-011a-4c24-b481-0fd7cab6c1f0.
Plastic-Free for the Sea
Approximately 25 people attended the Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee’s public meeting on May 18, 2022. Similar to the Committee’s 2019 event, this meeting emphasized reducing the use of plastics in our everyday lives, especially in light of the recent ban on plastic bags in grocery stores and other retail establishments in New Jersey.
Mary Judge, board member for Save Barnegat Bay, was the guest speaker. Mary presented statistics about the presence of micro-plastics in our air and waterways; spoke about alternative, non-plastic packaging for various products; and stressed the importance of following local rules for the proper recycling of plastics.
Many reusable, as well as biodegradable, products that are currently available in stores and online were on display at the meeting. All products also featured plastic-free packaging. Displayed products included: paper snack and sandwich bags; reusable silicone food and sandwich bags; reusable produce bags; laundry detergent sheets; all-natural shampoo and conditioner bars; reusable bamboo cutlery; and paper straws. Additional products discussed included: toilet paper manufactured from bamboo trees and reusable stainless steel drinking straws.
Attendees were given reusable tote bags with samples of the laundry detergent sheets, a reusable produce bag, biodegradable paper straws, and a stainless-steel drinking straw.
Other giveaways included reusable silicone bags, bamboo cutlery sets, and all-natural shampoo and conditioner bars.
2021 Updates
These stations will enable the town to participate in the “Reel In and Recycle” program that keeps monofilament out of the bay and ocean waters. Entanglement in long-lasting, nearly invisible monofilament lines kill thousands of aquatic animals and shore birds each year.
Proper disposal of monofilament prevents entanglement and reduces the plastic contamination of the waters, which breaks down over time into micro particles consumed by salt water species. The program was developed by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Seaside Park received a donation of three stations from Eagle Scout Thomas Anderson. They were installed by our DPW.
Osprey Platform Dedication and Monarch Butterfly Program
On June 11, 2021, the Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) hosted the Osprey Platform Dedication and Monarch Butterfly Program on the Marina lawn.
Mayor Peterson and Committee members Liliana Amabile and Cindy Kleva presided. Attendees received Osprey magnets.
The Monarch Butterfly Program was well attended and the EAC distributed 120 Milkweed and Seaside Goldenrod-plantings in a reusable tote bag with informative Monarch butterfly literature.
2021 Meeting Dates
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., that the Borough of Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee has established the following schedule (beginning at 7:00 p.m.) for their Regular Committee Meetings for the Year 2021:
January 20th
February 17th
March 17th
April 21st
May 19th
June 16th
July 21st
August: no meeting
September 15th
October 20th
November 17th (CANCELLED)
December: no meeting
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that these meetings will be held in the Borough Council Chambers located at Sixth and Central Avenues, Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752.
OFFICIAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN
SANDRA MARTIN, RMC, CMR
MUNICIPAL CLERK
2020 Updates
Osprey Nest update:
You many have seen the Osprey Nesting Platform at the shoreline of the Seaside Park Marina. This year the DPW raised the platform higher to increase visibility for the Osprey and provide a wider sightline to guard their nest. Osprey typically adopt a nesting site after their spring return from over-wintering in South America. Young birds pair-bond and build a nest that is maintained for many years. Keep an eye out for their return in March and perhaps a new family will adopt this platform. You can learn more about this fascinating “Fish Hawk” from the educational sign on the west Marina lawn.
Water Bird Signs:
We love watching the birds along the bay, but please do not feed them. New signs have been placed along the bay alerting visitors to the town ordinance which prohibits feeding any wildlife. This protects the health of the shore birds as eating bread and “human food” can lead to illness. Birds congregating along the shore also creates overcrowding and contamination from bird waste in the water. The bacterial contributes to high fecal bacterial counts and the closing of bay beaches. Please observe the rules and refrain from feeding birds along the bay.
Butterflies on the Bay Garden:
Each year the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Beautification Committee work together to maintain the Butterfly Garden at the 14th parking lot. Annuals are planted, perennial native plants pruned, and overgrown plants replaced as needed. This year the heavy August winds battered many plants. Some were pruned back to return next year, and additional fall annuals were added to provide the food and habitat for fall migrating birds and butterflies. Plans for adding additional closely spaced native grasses and bayberry to the west side of the garden should increase protection from wind in future years. The Environmental Committee also maintains the Native Plant Garden at the DPW Office on Barnegat Avenue. There you can see many Native Plants and learn about their value in the landscape.
Seaside Park 2021 Magnets:
We are looking forward to sharing the 2021 Seaside Park Magnet sponsored by the Environmental Advisory Committee. Inspired by the volunteers and Public Works staff who planted our west-side dunes with new vegetation, next year’s magnet will celebrate Native Plants. Announcement of where and when you can get the magnet will be made in Spring 2021.
Interested in joining the Environmental Committee?
Please complete the Citizen Leadership Form to apply.
2020 Members
| Chair | Term |
| Liliana Amabile | (2 yr. 1/2020 – 12/2021) |
| Vice Chair | |
| Jane Mason | (2 yr. 1/2019 – 12/2020) |
| Recording Secretary | |
| Anne Moyse | (2 yr. 1/2020 – 12/2021) |
| Members | |
| Ann Hayes | (2 yr. 1/2020 – 12/2021) |
| Cindy Kleva | (2 yr. 1/2021 – 12/2022) |
| Lynda Roberts | (2 yr. 1/2021 – 12/2022) |
| Patricia Urso (2 yr. 1/2021 – 12/2022) | |
| Diane IL Grande | (2 yr. 1/2020 – 12/2021) |
2019 Updates
Living with Less Plastic
Over 60 people attended the Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee meeting on May 8, 2019, to learn about the impact of single-use plastic and how we can reduce our usage. Executive Director Cindy Zipf, of Clean Ocean Action gave an overview of the pollution problems NJ has had over the years and how they were improved through citizen action and laws. We learned how single-use plastic contaminates the ocean and bays, and it’s negative effects on wildlife.
Products to replace single-use plastic were displayed, including stainless steel straws, reusable grocery bags, reusable produce bags, bamboo cutlery to replace plastic, paper lawn bags, reusable sandwich bags and a bamboo tooth brush. Every attendee took home a reusable shopping bag with an assortment of the items. Raffled prizes included a Season Beach Badge donated for the event by the Seaside Park Democratic Club.
Osprey Nesting Platform
Seaside Park now has an Osprey nesting platform at the north end of Bay View Avenue near I Street. Osprey pairs will be returning to this area in late March through April seeking a nest site. If a pair choose this site, we may be seeing them nest, fish and fledge this summer.
The platform was built with information from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, NJ Osprey Project and the NJ Fish and Wildlife guidelines.
Thank you to the Department of Public Works for their assistance in building and installing the platform, and to the Council for their support of the project.
Stay tuned for more information on the nesting site, and a dedication event planned for this spring.
2018 Updates
2018 Seaside Park Butterfly Release Program
On June 2, 2018, the Seaside Park Environmental Committee hosted its annual Butterfly Release in the Butterfly Garden. Painted Lady butterflies were reared from caterpillar stage by host families and released into the garden. Megan Stefanacci opened the event with her lovely rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Mayor Matthies recognized the partnership of the Borough and local volunteers in the creation of the garden and the annual event. Then, Anne Moyse announced the winner of the coloring contest, Violet Gentile, whose winning magnet is depicted in the gallery below. All participants in the contest received recognition and certificates. Information and bookmarks were handed out to those attending.
2017 Updates
2017 Seaside Park Butterfly Release Program
On June 4th, 2017, the Seaside Park Environmental Committee held the 3rd Annual Butterfly Release at our Butterfly Garden. 40 Painted Lady butterflies that had been reared from caterpillar stage by host families were released into the garden. Councilman Ray Amabile welcomed the crowd and soloist Laurie Sullivan led them in singing “America the Beautiful.” The Environmental Committee also announced the winner of the Butterfly Magnet Coloring Contest, Marina Condos. Butterfly Magnets and information on native plants and butterflies were given out to those attending.
Earth Day in Seaside Park
On Earth Day, April 22, 2017, members of the Seaside Park Environmental Committee and volunteers started work to refresh the Native Plant Garden at the Department of Public Works. The garden was installed before Sandy and while some plants have flourished, others were overgrown or damaged. After the clean-up, some new native plants will be added to the garden this spring.
LBIF Science Saturdays
The Foundation of Arts and Science on LBI is hosting a series of educational talks called “Science Saturdays.” For event information visit the LBIF Science Saturday event page.
Environmental Advisory Committee
Seaside Park’s Environmental Advisory Committee has openings for interested citizens who want to join the committee and the town’s Green Team. The mission of this group is “to define the community’s responsibility to the environment and through educating the public to turn Seaside Park into a model community for Environmental Stewardship.”
Any resident interested in serving on the Green Team must first complete the following Citizen Leadership Form (PDF) and submit it to Borough Clerk Karen Barna for consideration of any future vacancies.
Mission Statement and Goals
The Seaside Park Environmental Advisory Committee (SPEAC) is a volunteer resident group, which is appointed yearly by the Mayor and Council at its Reorganization Meeting. SPEAC is committed to working with Borough Officials to promote environmental sustainability and to support green projects, which will make Seaside Park a greener place to live, work and play.
Long Term Goals:
- To promote Sustainable Environmental Practices
- To define the Community’s responsibility to the environment
- To educate the public about the environment and turn Seaside Park into a model for environmental Stewardship
Short Term Goals 2017:
- To work in cooperation with Mayor and Council to promote Environmentally sustainable projects.
- Regular updates to the SSP web site for public information and opportunities
- Complete and install an educational sign at the Seaside Park Butterflies by the Bay (BBTB) garden (June 2017)
- Complete and install an identification sign for BBTB on the “Welcome To” signage at 14th Avenue parking lot and on the Marina SSP Events sign.
- Butterfly launch with local children and residents. (Blue Water week)
- Establish relationships and network with other barrier island Environmental committees.
- Tentative: speaker program on Native and Barrier Island Landscapes to be followed with a plant sale at the Farmer’s Market.
- Monitor the progress toward a Saturday garbage pick-up arrangement.
Energy Conservation
The Borough of Seaside Park has recently made great strides in the area of Environmental Stewardship. As one of the newest EnergyStar Partners, Seaside Park will have access greater access to the resources and skills necessary to drive the community to the forefront of environmental stewardship.
We have joined the national effort of Environmental Sustainability through EnergyStar and Sustainable NJ. If you want more information about these programs, please visit www.energystar.gov or www.sustainablenj.com
Through these programs we have developed a community Green Team whose role is to define the community’s responsibility to the environment and through educating the public will turn Seaside Park into the model community for Environmental Stewardship!
We look forward to working with our community and our new partners to developing the best programs that will respect the environment, save money, jobs and most importantly improve the area where we live.
Please contact us at kleier@seasideparknj.org if you have any questions or comments.
