Through April 30: Exhibit on trees at the Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library, 606 Delsea Dr., Sewell.
An exhibit in the “New Books” area is all about trees. Topics include tree anatomy and function, the benefits of trees, and some of the impacts of climate change on trees, such as the development of “ghost forests.” Learn about local trees, including some invasive tree species that are problematic. Get leads to additional information and resources, and count tree rings to determine a tree’s age. Correct answers will be eligible for a prize, a tree.
Through April 30 – Poetry Walk, Washington Lake Park, near Rangers Station
The Margaret E. Heggan Library and the Sustainable Washington Township Creative Team have partnered to sponsor Poetry Walk. The display features works about nature penned by township poets and positioned along walkways near Pavilion A and the children’s playground.
Monday, April 22 Earth Day – Celebrate the planet.
Wednesday, April 24 – 2 p.m. – “The Overstory:” An Environmental Fiction Book Discussion at the Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library.
“The Overstory” by author Richard Powers is about nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address the destruction of forests. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for more than a year. This program is open to adults. Advance registration is required by phone (856-589-3334) or online.
Friday, April 26 – Arbor Day.
The township will be planting trees in the Cedar Lake area of Washington Lake Park to kick off its community-wide campaign, Washington Township Re-Leaf! Overall, they hope to plant 5,000 trees over the next 10 years.
Saturday, April 27 – 7:30 a.m. – Bird Walk in the Park at Washington Lake Park.
Naturalist Marie Hageman will lead a program on resident feathered friends and others who
are migrating through. Bring binoculars and enthusiasm. The program is presented in partnership with the Gloucester County Nature Club. Registration not required, but requested, by email to: WTEC@twp.washington.nj.us, write “Bird Walk” in the subject line,
and provide name and phone number.
Saturday, April 27 – 9 a.m. to noon – Milkweed & Marigold Giveaway – Washington Lake Park, Parking Lot J (near Greentree Road entrance).
Plants for Pollinators. Milkweed is the only food young Monarch butterfly caterpillars eat. Marigolds provide nectar, too, and keep some garden pests away. Pick up free plants and join the township’s Monarch Rescue project.
Sunday, May 5 – 9 a.m. to noon – Washington Township Re-Leaf: Tree Seedling Giveaway Washington Lake Park, Parking Lot J (near Greentree Road entrance)
As part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign, residents can pick up trees to replace those destroyed by storms such as Superstorm Sandy or the 2015 microburst, or just to give a new happy home to a healthy tree seedling. The seedlings come with instructions on how to store, care for and plant them. (Trees should be planted within two days after pick-up to prevent roots from drying out).
