Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • February 1, 2012 School trees (continued from page 3) runoff during and after heavy rains, and urged that calculations be made to compensate if the trees must be removed. “The loss of just five mature oaks requires planting of more than 180 two-inch caliper trees,” Mehallow noted. “Ornamental plantings such as arbor vitae do not provide the many benefits of mature shade trees. We recommend planting as many trees as possible on the middle school/ high school campus, with the remainder to be planted on residential properties in the surrounding neighborhoods. The board of education should offer trees and planting at no cost to residents to mitigate the loss of existing trees and the negative impact this will have on the community. Planting can be provided by the New Jersey Tree Foundation or another vendor.” Mehallow estimated the cost of planting an adequate number of 200 two-inch caliper trees at $200 per tree with planting, for a total of $40,000. The installation of a demonstration rain garden on school property, Mehallow said, could be included in the planting program at an estimated cost of $2,500 to $3,500. “A 300 square foot rain garden can recharge 37,500 gallons of stormwater annually,” she continued. “This installation can be included in the planting program the board of education plans after the athletic field drainage project is completed. It should include educational signage and involve students, possibly environmental science classes, in the planning and installation of the rain garden. Students in math classes can assist with calculations of stormwater volume and biology classes can study native plant species.” She also recommended the installation of a rainwater harvesting system under any artificial turf fields, especially since local water supplies from Ridgewood Water are now being augmented by surface reservoir supplies from United Water. The cost of such a rainwater harvesting system has yet to be determined. Pervious asphalt, which can absorb rainwater, should be used under the bleachers, Mehallow said. The proposed plans specify “asphalt,” but Mehallow said impervious asphalt would be more beneficial. “Turf grass does not provide as much ground water recharge as vegetated buffers,” she added. “The plan should include vegetated buffers to the maximum extent practicable. Possible locations are immediately adjacent to the southern exposure of the soccer field retaining wall, and along the western and eastern perimeters of the entire property.” Mehallow also urged that post-construction plantings should be of native plants. She cited the Glen Rock Storm- water Control Ordinance, which provides that all plantings should be designed to encourage retention and planted with native vegetation and minimizing the use of lawns, fertilizers, and pesticides. Ecologists have also noted that most native plants can survive with little or no artificial irrigation and provide direct food for wild birds and mammals, which are also part of the environment. “As a leading member of the Glen Rock community, the Glen Rock Board of Education can use this opportunity to demonstrate social responsibility and good citizenship,” Mehallow concluded. “These are the ethics that the board strives to instill in its students and this is the opportunity for the board to exhibit these traits and serve as a positive role model.” Achievements recognized Boy Scouts from Glen Rock’s Troop 13 recently held a Court of Honor at which all of the sixth grade Scouts earned their Second Class rank, a notable achievement, due to their active participation in troop activities. These activities included a ski trip, winter cabin camping, backpacking, rafting, tenting on the beach at Wildwood, summer camp at NoBeBoSco, a Philadelphia trip, a West Point football game, go-carts Velocity 17, and rock climbing. Troop 13 meets on Sunday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Glen Rock Community Church. Boys from 11 to 18 years old of all denominations are welcome. For more information, contact Mike Curtis at (201) 612-8798, Victor Harte at (201) 444-7669, or Mike Turanchik at (201) 444-7191.