HOWELL – Howell Middle School South has received a $2,000 grant by Sustainable Jersey for Schools for a tree planting project, officials said.
This was one of 46 municipalities, schools, and school districts across New Jersey that had their environmental project chosen.
“When it comes to implementing solutions to key sustainability challenges, we must keep raising our collective ambitions,” said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. “Sustainable Jersey grants funded by the PSE&G Foundation give our municipalities and schools the chance to dream big and implement projects that help New Jersey become more livable, environmentally friendly and prosperous.”
The grant for Howell Middle School South will be used to purchase oak, apple and maple trees, along with other various resources to help continue the school’s green goal of planting 10,000 trees, in an effort to restore carbon sinks and also to preserve green space in Howell Township.
Science teacher Danielle Gianelos told The Howell Times that the grant was written as part of a student project to find ways to address climate change in the community.
“A group of students in my class helped me write the grant to create more carbon sinks through trees on our school property. We will purchase and plant the trees next school year,” Gianelos said.
The trees will be planted adjacent to the school’s greenhouse along the street line and some will be inside the fenced in greenhouse area. This is a continuation of the trees planted a couple years ago.
“My students and I were building in our environmental club advisor, Steve Milkowski’s, goal of planting 10,000 trees in our community. We are hoping to also start a possible tree farm in our greenhouse area next school year,” Gianelos added.
Principal Robert K. Henig shared his excitement of the generous grant to initiate their tree planting project.
“This grant is not just a recognition of our efforts but a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and education,” Henig said. “With this funding, we will cultivate a greener, more sustainable campus, providing our students with invaluable opportunities to learn about the importance of conservation and ecology.”
“Together, we’ll sow the seeds of change, nurturing not just trees, but a future generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Thank you to all who have supported our vision, and let’s get ready to dig in and make a lasting impact!” Henig added.
The PSEG Foundation has contributed $3.4 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program for municipalities and schools over the past 13 years.
Proposals were evaluated by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey grants are intended to “help municipalities and schools make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification,” according to the Sustainable Jersey website.
