Bergen Zoo's 'Party For The Planet' Boosted By $10K Grant

PARAMUS, NJ — The Bergen County Zoo recently received a $10,000 grant to run a three-day conservation program as part of their annual Party for the Planet.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums awarded the Bergen County Zoo and ten other facilities a Party for the Planet: Spring Into Action Grant.

This grant will, according to a news release from the county, allow the zoo to extend the annual Party for the Planet. The event, normally one day, will now be a three-day conservation program that ties in with the zoo's Change for the Climate initiative.

2022's Party for the Planet will be April 22-24. On that Friday and Saturday, the zoo will feature "education and training regarding issues targeting local pollinators including invasive plant species, as well as the planting of pollinator gardens within the zoo."

Sunday "will see a dozen organizations visit the zoo and set up tables with activities, prizes, and more, to educate and involve the public in various conservation projects."

Some of the grant money will fund training for local volunteers who are planting pollinator gardens around the county and collecting data. These volunteers are contributing to citizen scientist databases online, such as Monarch Watch and Nature's Notebook.

“Pollinators are vital to the sustainability of our ecosystem, and they are continuously under threat," said Marianne Vella, the Director of the Bergen County Zoo. "Our education department has been involved with Monarch Watch for years, which is an initiative that is part of the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program aimed at Monarch Butterflies. We have always done what we can for our local pollinators, but we are thrilled that our education staff was awarded this grant which gives us the resources to increase our programming and outreach regarding this vital conservation topic.”

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of Commissioners, and the county Parks Department announced the news Wednesday in a joint press release.

“Our nationally accredited zoo is an excellent resource for local residents looking to learn more and take action to help protect our environment,” said Tedesco. The Zoo’s focus on local pollinators is another example of how providing our residents with an opportunity to support a conservation effort right in their own backyard helps everyone, especially our open space.”

“Two of our most important responsibilities are protecting the residents of Bergen County and being good stewards of our piece of the planet,” said Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Chair of the Environmental Commission. “We are committed to preserving the health and enjoyment of our soil, air and water, our flora and fauna. We are grateful for this grant that allows us to continue and expand our commitment to educating our fellow citizens about the good things we all can do for the planet, like identifying invasive plant species and creating pollinator gardens.”