Natco Park, a gem hidden in Hazlet, is an undisturbed area of land that passionate residents have taken pride in preserving.
On April 21, members of the Hazlet Environmental Commission distributed free tree seedlings to the community at the park on Middle Road.
In honor of Earth Day, which is officially marked on April 22, the distribution signified an ongoing effort to replace trees that were lost during superstorm Sandy in 2012, according to Margaret Casagrande.
Casagrande is a member of the Hazlet Environmental Commission.
She said one primary principle to which the group is committed is the preservation and protection of Natco Park. Casagrande said a specific area of the park would benefit by having new trees planted.
During the Earth Day event, residents came to visit what they referred to as the “town treasure” to pick up free tree seedlings to plant outside their homes, and to help plant trees in barren parts of the park.
An excerpt from the Natco Park brochure describes the passive recreation location as “the last stronghold” for the livelihood of a variety of unique plant and animal life that thrives in the area.
“We are celebrating Earth Day, which means we’re restoring part of the Earth that has been torn up or dug up. We are trying to reforest what has been lost here,” said Gene Geer, a member of the Hazlet Environmental Commission.
Geer said it is up to each individual to do what he or she can to preserve the environment.
“It’s good to get people’s minds on the environment, especially with what’s going on nationally. Science has been defeated. People who are in charge of the environment don’t even believe in global warming,” Geer said.
Geer said Natco Park features 260 acres of untouched freshwater wetlands. In an effort to “keep Natco natural,” he said the environmental commission works hard to ensure there is no development on the land. Roads and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
“The more people know about the environment, the more they can appreciate what’s being lost,” Geer said.
According to Bill Shewan, a Hazlet resident and volunteer, Earth Day should double as “citizen awareness day.”
“When you have something like this, Earth Day, you want to attract people so they become aware of what is going on this world,” Shewan said.
The Hazlet Environmental Commission encourages residents to do what they can to help replenish the natural environment.
According to Geer, Earth Day should be every day.
