CARTERET, NJ – Mayor Daniel J. Reiman’s love of history and the environment cross-pollinated today when he joined with parks staff to plant a seedling of the historic 600-year-old Salem Oak in Carteret Park.
Seedlings of the famous Salem County tree have been provided to municipalities by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection since the great oak fell in 2019.
“The Salem Oak is an important part of New Jersey’s natural history,” Mayor Reiman said. “Given the environmental rebirth of Carteret, including public access to the waterfront, a popular marina and fishing pier, a forthcoming ferry, and some of the finest parks in the county, our largest park will make a great home for the seedling.”
According to NJDEP, the tree will grow 100 feet high and its branches will extend 60 feet wide. For info about the Salem Oak and its seedling program, visit nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2019/19_0092.htm.
Other borough Earth Day festivities will include a celebration from 10 am to 12 pm Saturday, April 23 at Civic Center Park, 100 Cooke Ave. Highlights will include:
- Distribution of three reusable bags per Carteret household in anticipation of the state’s May 4 ban of single-use plastic bags
- A fun family-friendly performance of “Trashaganza” by the interactive eco-minded band Bash the Trash (com/)
- Info about the state plastic ban, local and county recycling efforts, and the borough’s annual tree planting program
- A Zumba class with RWJ Rahway Fitness & Wellness Center at Carteret
- A bounce house, ice cream truck, DJ music, and arts ‘n’ crafts.
Residents should call 732-541-3835 for more about the Earth Day event and reusable bags, also are available to residents only 9 am to 5 pm Mondays to Saturdays at Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Avenue. Updates about Earth Day in Carteret will be available at Carteret.net or by following @MyCarteret on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
