Dedicate and Discover Historic New Tree and Park in Township's Arbor Day Celebration

Observing upcoming days that highlight the outdoors and going green will be easy for Basking Ridge residents.

Bernards Township Parks and Recreation is inviting all residents to join in the celebration of Arbor Day next Saturday, in a dedication that comes just two days after Earth Day on April 22.

A ceremony will dedicate both the Sons of Liberty Farm and the Liberty Elm Tree as part of the Bernards Township 250th Anniversary Celebration.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, at the Sons of Liberty Farm on Allen Road. It will include a couple of speakers, including Bernards Township Mayor Scott Spitzer and members of the Parks and Pathways Committee, as well as members of the Shade Tree Commission, according to Jennifer Gander, director of Bernards Township Parks & Recreation.

"It should be no longer than a half an hour for the actual ceremony," Gander said. No registration is required and there is no charge for the event. Those who want to attend have another chance to go green by considering walking or biking to the event, since parking is limited.

The Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission purchased the Liberty Elm Tree to plant in celebration of Arbor Day, which is officially on April 30. The American Elm is a descendant of the Liberty Tree originally planted in 1765, and is the town's second descendant of the tree. The first is currently planted next to Town Hall. For more information on the tree, read the Patch feature.

The Sons of Liberty Farm is one of the township's open spaces, intended for passive recreation. It offers wood-chipped trails, a pond with access for fishing with no license required and the written history and photos of both the Sons of Liberty Farm and English Family Woods property, located across the street.

The two properties are intended for any activities that will add to wider education about natural resources while having minimal impact on the natural environment. These could include walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching and other nature viewing.

Residents can start doing just that immediately after the dedication, in the latest installment of the Mayor's Wellness Campaign. Mayor Spitzer will be leading a "Health Hike" threw both the Sons of Liberty Farm and the English Family Woods. Those interested are encouraged to wear covered shoes and long pants.

The hike follows three previous wellness campaign activities, which include classes in Zumba, Yoga and Tai-Chi. The Campaign is part of a state-wide program initiative through the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey League of Municipalities.