The Hackensack Environmental Commission consists of nine citizens of Hackensack who are charged with the duty recommendations to the Mayor and Council regarding open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control solid waste management, recycling programs, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance and protection of flora and fauna. To apply for a position on the Hackensack Environmental Commission, a Citizen Leadership Form must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk’s office. http://www.hackensack.org/Volunteer

Hackensack Community Garden

After a very successful first year of the Hackensack Community Garden, one community gardener wrote an email about her experience. Here are excerpts from that email:

“Sunday, November 3, 2019, was a celebration of the first year of The Hackensack Community Garden. I gathered with fellow gardeners… some of whom I met during the growing season, and some who I met for the very first time. It was a sunny November Sunday, and what better way to spend it, but outdoors, in the chilled air, among likeminded people and the last of the fruits of our labor. We shared food and drink, chatted about our gardening experience, and walked through the paths…

Why is this garden so important to me? Why do I so desperately want to see the greenhouse once again being put to use? At best I am a mediocre gardener, and at worst I am a negligent one. But being in a garden inspires me, and brings me peace like no other place in the world. It brings me back to my fondest childhood memories…Gardening wisdom is passed down from generation to generation. Respect for the land, and its bounty is a value that we must pass down… the art and science of growing ones food is something we cannot afford to lose…The sense of community one feels as we engage in cooperative activity is very much needed. Knowledge is obtained by talking to your next door neighbor as you admire what each of you has grown.

I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You”, to those who started our Garden. I’m looking forward to planting again next season, and talking with new found friends. Lettuce keep “growing” as a community! “(excerpted from letter by Robin Caino, November, 2019)

Community Garden Registration 2020:
Pre-registration for returning gardeners begins February 3, 2020
Registration for new gardeners begins March 2, 2020

The garden is “Growing.!” Approximately 30 4X8 = 60 4X4 new beds and 12 new container planters will be phased in this year and added to the number of already existing beds and container/planters.

Contact Hackensack Recreation Department for Garden Registration Packet: 201 646-8042

The Greenhouse

With the support of the Mayor and Council, the Commission is looking into the best options for restoring the greenhouse in Johnson Park to its original glory. The greenhouse is a tremendous opportunity for the people of Hackensack. It is the hope of the Commission that the greenhouse will soon be available for planting, educational programs, nutritional programs, and community gatherings. Anyone interested in helping with this project is invited to contact the Environmental Commission.

Pocket Park on American Legion Drive:

The Commission has identified an unused bit of open space on the corner of Prospect Avenue and American Legion Drive. The space is currently unused and it has the potential to be made into a lovely “Pocket Park” that could be enjoyed by all those in the neighborhood.

Resolution opposing the building of a new power station in the Meadowlands:

The City of Hackensack joined the growing number of municipalities that opposed the Meadowlands power station. In October, 2019 Gov. Phil Murphy declared his opposition to building this power plant that would have sent electricity to New York.

Protection of Open Space near Borg’s Woods

We are investigating the best way to preserve the private land that abuts Borg’s Woods to the east. While the land is owned by residents, it may be in the best interests of our open space to purchase an easement on those lands to ensure that they are preserved in their natural, woodland state.

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) Award

The Hackensack Environmental Commission was awarded an ANJEC 2019 Environmental Achievement Award for outstanding accomplishment in local environmental protection for its project: Hackensack Community Garden. The award was presented at the ANJEC 46th annual Congress held at Mercer County College, West Windsor, NJ on October 4, 2019. The Hackensack Environmental Commission also present a power point presentation on Community Gardening during the morning Urban Gardening/Farming workshop