Washington Borough Green Team

WASHINGTON BOROUGH GREEN TEAM MEMBERS:
Name	Term
Gary Pohorely, Chair	1/1/23 - 12/31/25
David Butler, Vice Chair	1/1/22 - 12/31/24
Josephine Noone, Secretary	1/1/23 - 12/31/25
Suzanne Marr	1/1/23 - 12/31/25
Michael Franks	1/1/23 - 12/31/25
Ethel Conry, Mayor
Melanie Thiel, WBID
Brian Bond, Borough Manager
Edward France, Council Member	1/1/24 - 12/31/24

Washington Borough Business Improvement District - Green Team

The Washington Borough Green Team was formed in 2013.  We immediately began work on projects to promote sustainability.  The committee was officially established as part of the Borough government, by ordinance in July of 2017, allowing us to work in conjunction with the Washington Borough Council, Mayor, Borough Manager and Washington Business Improvement District (WBID).

We started the Sustainably Green Music & Arts Fest (green festival) held annually, the 3rd Saturday of June; which kicks off our seasonal Washington Borough Farmers' Market, and runs through the end of September / early October, depending on the first frost.

The Green Team often collaborates with local businesses to promote our downtown and local shopping in support of our local economy!  We are also developing a trail system at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve, an 80-acre wooded Borough owned property with small streams, wetlands and boulders.  At this time, there is a two-mile trail and more trails planned for development.  Wildlife abounds in this serene environment.  Hiking and mountain biking activities will be accommodated.  Anyone interested in helping with trail development and maintenance should contact us.  Information below.

In 2019, we led the efforts to obtain Sustainable Jersey Bronze Certification, a 3-year designation awarded by The College of New Jersey Sustainability Institute. We achieved recertification in 2022. The Green Team has also been awarded three Sustainable Jersey $2,000 grants to improve our Farmers' Market, and for plantings of native species at the Shabbecong and Veteran's Parks.  We were recognized by the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden in 2019 for our commitment and volunteerism to the greater Washington community.  And, in April of 2021 we were recognized as a Community Partner by the Washington BID.

We hold monthly meetings which are advertised in the Washington Messenger and on the Washington Borough website; usually the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Borough Hall, 100 Belvidere Avenue, 1st floor conference room at 5:30pm (October thru April) or at Veterans' Park (May thru September) as we do weeding/clean-up, planting, mulching and watering to maintain the Park.  We are a passionate and committed group of volunteers.  More volunteers are always needed!

The Green Team has cleared a two mile loop trail at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve. The entrance is located at the end of Nunn Avenue. Open to the public during daylight hours for hiking, walking, and enjoying nature. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. Follow the cleared path and look for the pink, plastic markers hanging from tree limbs.