250 Trees Planted In Somerset Co. Floodplain After Hurricane Ida Devastation

MANVILLE, NJ — The Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development and a variety of other stakeholders recently planted over 250 native trees and shrubs in the floodplain across from Weston Elementary School along Raritan Avenue, where the Royce Brook runs through in Manville.

Joining forces to make this project happen were volunteers from New Jersey American Water, Somerset County CERT, Somerset County Master Gardeners and Environmental Stewards, Rutgers Water Resources Program, Manville Department of Public Works, Mayor of Manville Richard Onderko, Manville Police Department, and Somerset County Department of Public Works.. The New Jersey American Water supplied their “Water on the Go” truck so participants could stay hydrated.

"The trees and shrubs for this project will have a positive impact on the environment by contributing to clean water and filtering out common roadway toxins through extensive root systems, help alleviate flooding by taking up stormwater and acting as temporary storage systems, and creating habitat and food for wildlife," said Kristine Gunn, Coordinator of Green Infrastructure for the Office of Emergency Management. "This project will give the community a beautiful place to visit while learning about the importance of this newly created ecosystem."

Somerset County was one of four recipients to win the 2022 New Jersey American Water Environmental Grant in the amount of $10,000. The Manville floodplain was chosen for its project location due to the area being flooded heavily during Hurricane Ida. All grant dollars were spent on native plants, tree shelters, stakes, zip ties, and signage.

"This is just one step to building a stronger, more resilient Somerset County," said Lisa Werner, the Director of Office of Emergency Management (OEM). "We look forward to continuing to look for additional ways to mitigate inland flooding."

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.