NJ Highlands Coalition Speaker
Florham Park Rotary Club
New Jersey has the 4th least expensive water of any state in the US.
That, according to Julia Somers, Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Coalition at her presentation to the Florham Park Rotary. At the January 6 breakfast meeting, she advised it’s because our state has done much and continues to do so to protect our water sources.
The Mission of the Coalition is to protect and enhance and restore the New Jersey Highlands. It is to preserve the quality and quantity of drinking water both for the 850,000 people in the Highlands as well as millions of New Jerseyans in the surrounding areas who depend on Highlands water.
Protecting the Highlands is a concern for all because:
- The Highlands provides water to 70% of New Jersey residents;
- Outdoor recreation in New Jersey is worth almost $19 billion and supports local economies;
- Highlands forest is one of the state’s best defenses against climate change. They improve water and air quality, and provide critical wildlife habitat for many of New Jersey’s threatened and endangered species.
The Highlands Coalition is a non-profit education and advocacy organization. It is not to be confused with the Highlands Council, which is a government agency. Anyone with questions can reach the Highlands Coalition through info@njhighlandscoalition.org or at 973-588-7190.
Many know that the Florham Park Rotary focuses its efforts mostly on supporting local education. Local club President, Simone Campbell, also reminds us that “Rotarians have a shared responsibility to protect the environment and seek ways to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. That is a strong connection between the goals of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition and Rotary International.”
To learn more about the Highlands, our environment, and how to protect them, people can check the NJ Highland Coalition’s website at njhighlandscoalition.org. You can see upcoming events and view some of the recorded or live webinars. Two titles of particular interest are:
Beyond Timber; the Future of New Jersey’s Forests
The Morris Canal: Northern New Jersey’s Water Highway with the Canal Society of NJ
About Rotary
Rotary International is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are more than 35,000 clubs in 200 countries worldwide. They are dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
Guests are welcome to join a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Avenue to learn more about their local Rotary club. Those meetings are also held via Zoom to provide the option for members who can’t physically attend frequently in the Diner. Meetings are 7:47 to 9:00 a.m. every Friday.
More ways to learn about the Florham Park Rotary are to visit FlorhamParkRotary.com, or check Florham Park Community TV (Channels 21 for Cablevision and 35 for Verizon), or write or call Membership Chair George Gregor atggregor@florhamparkrotary.com or (917) 848-0982.
