The Commissioners and staff at the Somerset County Park Commission take their responsibility as stewards of the environment very seriously. In addition to providing an extreme variety of active and passive recreation opportunities through Somerset County, the staff at the Park Commission is responsible for the oversight and protection of over 15,000 acres of open space.
Part of this responsibility is to plan for the future of the environmental throughout the county, assuring that both parks and open space continue to provide the beauty and natural protections that trees and plants offer.
More than one hundred new trees are planted, mulched, staked, and provided with cultural care each year at various parks and golf courses. These trees reduce the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen back into the air; filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark; absorb pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and ozone; and help to reduce soil erosion and prevent water pollution by slowing rain water run-off. Additionally, trees provide a canopy, food, and habitat for wildlife including birds, bees, opossums, raccoons, and squirrels.
Normally accomplished as an annual fall project, the 2019 large scale tree and shrub planting project was delayed by weather and completed a last May. The next fall tree and shrub planting is scheduled to take place in 2021. The Commission Forestry Coordinator is preparing a tree planting project for the summer with expected completion in the fall of 2021.
The Arboretum of Colonial Park collects, conserves and cares for trees and shrubs, displaying them in a conscientious manner that promotes education, inspiration, and enjoyment. This is accomplished with careful consideration for a beneficial impact on the plants, the environment, park patrons, and employees. Staff promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place through display and through programs that integrate science and culture. The 5 1/2-acre Arboretum is located in the western section of Colonial Park in Colonial Park Gardens and is comprised of over 900 specimens of trees and shrubs.
Park Commission Horticulture staff is currently working on a massive bulb planting project at the recently redesigned Perennial Garden at Colonial Park with over 200,000 bulb plantings.
Information of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.
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