Rain Gardens Update

The mission of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension  Water Resources Program is to identify and address water resources issues by engaging and empowering communities to employ practical science-based solutions to help create a more equitable and sustainable New Jersey. This is accomplished through research, project development, assessment, extension, and the collaborative efforts of our many regional, national, and international partners.  Members of the Caldwell Environmental Commission participated in the 2019 Green Infrastructure Champions Training Program  offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources .  As a result of that, Caldwell applied for and received a grant from Sustainable Jersey in 2019.  They are offering a Green Infrastructure Champion Training Program in 2027.  Sign up now at www.rutgers.edu

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program and the Caldwell Environmental Commission received a stormwater management grant from the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022. It is currently administered by the NJ DEP, Borough of Caldwell, and Rutgers.    We were one of 18 projects funded to help manage stormwater.  Because the Environmental Commission had previously received a grant from Sustainable Jersey in conjunction with Rutgers, we already had data ready to apply for this grant.  The locations of the rain gardens include Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy, St. Aloysius Church and the Sisters of St. Dominic.  All three gardens will include native plants to support our native pollinators and birds.   Members of the Caldwell Environmental Commission, Master Gardeners of Essex County, members of the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy, and the Green Team at St. Aloysius Church helped plant the gardens.