Introducing the 2017-2018 WMA 12 AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador: Amber Mallm

“Each year, the County’s Division of Planning hosts the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador who serves the WMA 12 Monmouth watershed region.  The program is administered by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Water Monitoring & Standards, with 20 ambassadors serving across the state.  The program promotes watershed stewardship through education, community involvement, and biological and visual stream health monitoring. During their year of service,  Watershed Ambassadors engage with community volunteers and offer presentations to expand awareness and encourage local action.

This year’s WMA 12 Watershed Ambassador is Amber Mallm, a resident of Freehold who studied Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior with a Minor in Sustainability at Rutgers. She is passionate about improving our connections to nature and has experience in environmental education and outreach programs.  Amber is available for educational outreach initiatives for schools, scouts and other community groups.  She is also available to assist with local projects, and will be seeking volunteers to aid in stream monitoring, watershed clean-ups and native plantings.  Contact Amber at Amber.Mallm@co.monmouth.nj.us in regards to any outreach or volunteer opportunities.”

Source: Monmouth County Environmental and Sustainability Planning Newsletter, 5 October 2017

Light Pollution

The Light Pollution Map (lightpollutionmap.info) has an interactive map of the world that allows you to zoom in to see the levels of light pollution in our area and elsewhere. Green represents the darkest places in our area — Cheesequake Park, Sandy Hook, and the Raritan Bay. Purple is the brightest urban zones — Keyport, Red Bank, and the Route 35 corridor through Hazlet and Middletown. The greenish-yellow area represents the mid-range brightness of residential areas like Cliffwood Beach, Strathmore, Hazlet and Middletown.

According to the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution is the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light. It can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.

Components of light pollution include:

  • Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort
  • Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas
  • Light trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed
  • Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources

Time Magazine’s “Worsening Light Pollution Is Bad for Your Health” explains how light pollution isn’t just a problem for astronomers.

For further information, see the IDA website or a number of other excellent online resources.

Coming soon!

Welcome to our site. Our goal is to provide the residents of Aberdeen Township an interactive web resource for environmental topics.

Although this site is not part of the official Aberdeen Township website, it is currently maintained by volunteer members of the Aberdeen Township Environmental and Shade Tree Advisory Board.

We welcome your comments and questions. Be aware that the site is moderated and not all items submitted will be posted.