Garden Serves as Interactive Way to Educate Youth about Recycling and Sustainability
For Immediate Release – September 24, 2021
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – The Township of Middletown celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Ecological Garden located at the Department of Public Works & Engineering (52 Kanes Lane) on Wednesday, September 22nd. The Ecological Garden was created to serve as an extension to the Recycling Center tours the Township provides to children of all ages to highlight the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
To kick off the event, the Township invited two local Girl Scout Troops, Troop 127 from Leonardo Elementary School and Troop 61124 from Nut Swamp Elementary School, to take the first tour. The girls had the opportunity to walk through the “Garbage Garden” to see the creative ways items that were discarded at the Recycling Center can be repurposed.
“It is always great to see our younger residents excited about learning something new, and this Eco-Garden and tour of the Recycling Center teaches them in an interactive and engaging way,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “Our hope is that they will pass on their knowledge and continue to keep Middletown green and sustainable for future generations.”
The Girl Scouts also learned about the importance of rain gardens and the role they play in purifying stormwater and replenishing aquifers (rocks that transmit groundwater), as well as how to repurpose rainwater for gardening through rain barrels. Both of these processes help irrigate the Native New Jersey Garden, save water, and reduce the amount of pesticides used. Lastly, the girls were able to plant their own marigold seeds using the leaf compost that is created through the town’s curbside leaf pickup.
“I am so grateful to work in a town that values sustainability and education,” said Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator Jessi Ticino. “It is only through education that we can make a lasting change, and we hope this garden will inspire children to be proactive and innovative in their approach to sustainability and recycling.”
The Eco-Garden is part of the Township’s plan to upgrade the Middletown Recycling Center later this fall, and represents its ongoing commitment to a greener tomorrow. If you would like to schedule a tour of the Recycling Center, please contact Jessi Ticino at 732-615-3223 or email jticino@middletownnj.org.
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