Sustainability in Action: 5 Success Stories

Soaring Back: Downe Township Educates about the Bald Eagle (Cumberland County)

Residents gathered at historic Union Hall for a special lecture hosted by the Downe Township Green Team celebrating the comeback of the bald eagle—a species once nearly wiped out but now thriving again. The event featured experts who have devoted their lives to wildlife protection. Kathy Clark, Chief of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Department Endangered and Nongame Species Program, spoke about the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project and the crucial role of everyday people-volunteer nest monitors-who keep watch over these majestic birds from egg to fledgling. Vicki Schmidt, a State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, shared the behind-the-scenes work of rescuing injured animals and reminding residents what to do if they ever come across hurt or sick wildlife.

Three New Brunswick Schools Transform Learning with Digital Innovative Classrooms (Middlesex County)

In just five years, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, 3D printing, and self-driving cars will transform our world in ways that were once unimaginable. Today’s students must be ready to thrive in this rapidly changing future and New Brunswick Public Schools is meeting that challenge head-on. A commitment to innovation has earned three schools in the district—Blanquita B. Valenti Community School, McKinley Community School, and New Brunswick Middle School—recognition as Digital Schools Stars, part of their Sustainable Jersey for Schools silver-level certification.

Pollinators, Plants, and People: Ringwood Builds a Sustainable Borough (Bergen County)

Ringwood Borough’s Green Team, Sustainable Ringwood, has turned the grounds around the Ringwood Public Library into living classrooms, demonstrating how native plants, pollinator habitats, and composting practices can create healthier landscapes and stronger communities. With the support of a $10,000 Sustainable Jersey grant funded by The PSEG Foundation, the green team and its partners established a native plant garden and expanded an existing pollinator garden. These spaces not only beautify the community but teach residents about the power of sustainable landscaping—how native plants support wildlife, reduce water usage, enrich soil, and thrive without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Elizabeth Avenue School Hosts Sustainability-Focused STEAM Event (Somerset County)

Elizabeth Avenue School transformed its annual STEAM night into a celebration of sustainability, attracting more than 300 participants and 100 families. The event, themed “Sustainability–Metamorphosis of Thought,” blended Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) with activities that encourage environmental responsibility and community action. Supported by a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), families engaged in nearly 20 interactive stations. Student-led activities ranged from rock painting for a butterfly-shaped sustainability garden, energy conservation demonstrations with watt meters, and recycling challenges, to owl pellet dissections, 3D nature art, and a sustainability pledge wall. Fifth grade energy ambassadors showed families how to compare the electricity use of incandescent and LED bulbs, while asking them to pledge to conserve energy.

New Guide Helps Municipalities Launch Community Solar Automatic Enrollment Programs

Community Solar Automatic Enrollment Programs give municipalities the ability to automatically enroll low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents in community solar, ensuring guaranteed savings on their electric bills. Residents can opt out at any time without penalties or fees. Why does automatic enrollment matter? While residents can sign up for community solar individually, participation among LMI households has lagged—even though 51% of all community solar capacity in New Jersey is reserved for them. Despite strong outreach efforts by many municipalities, subscriber organizations have struggled to fill this capacity since the program’s launch in 2018. Barriers include challenges reaching LMI audiences and community distrust stemming from past misleading solar offers.