FREEHOLD – Monmouth County’s fourth “Lunchtime Series on the Environment” on Thursday, Aug. 21, will examine water quality with guest speakers Tony MacDonald, director of Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, and Professor John Tiedemann, the institute’s assistant director. The free luncheon starts at noon.
 
These lunchtime sessions – six are planned this year – are designed to facilitate a “green” dialogue among government entities. MacDonald and Tiedemann will discuss issues regarding watershed management, including our lakes and streams.
 
“These sessions have been exciting, informative and extremely productive because we are all learning to think differently about how we go about doing the things that governments do, such as buying vehicles or constructing buildings,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “If we each apply some of what we have learned our little corner of the planet will be a lot better off environmentally.”
 
Last month, the series hosted John Batinsey, former chairman of the New Jersey Lighting Pollution Study Commission. Batinsey not only presented an informative lecture of ways to reduce lighting pollution, but brought several samples of light fixtures to demonstrate his points.
 
Previous sessions also included discussions about making older buildings more environmentally friendly and energy efficient, and ways in which governmental entities can incorporate new “green” technologies into their everyday work habits.
 
Many area governmental entities are “going green” by choosing alternative building materials, utilizing renewable energy and embracing green water management techniques. Coastal counties such as Monmouth are particularly vulnerable to changes that will accompany a rise in sea level, increased rain and flooding and the loss of protective natural barrier areas. Steps that are being taken in townships and counties across New Jersey are making news every week – steps that involve building, transportation, land use, renewable energy choices, purchasing, water management and recycling.

 

“By empowering people, and especially government entities, with some basic information on green alternatives we can make a lasting difference,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr., co-host of the series. “This lunchtime forum has been very well received.”
 

The lunchtime series is being held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at the Hall of Records, Freehold.

 

The series is free and a light lunch will be served, but registration by Aug. 18 is necessary due to space limitations. If you are a state, municipal or county employee – or a member of your municipal Planning Board or Environmental Commission –and wish to attend the free lunchtime series, please R.S.V.P. by e-mail to freeholdermcmorrow@gmail.com, or by calling 732-683-8837.

 

September 18 – Our fifth installment will be a Green Fair held at the Monmouth County Agriculture Building. It will feature state, county and local government officials who will discuss their successes with alternative energy projects. Additionally, experts in alternative energy generation and conservation are invited to participate. Space is limited.

 
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