WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—Clay Bosch, a 61-year borough resident and longtime leader of the Shade Tree Committee, was honored Friday as Woodcliff Lake celebrated Arbor Day at Woodcliff Middle School.
Mayor Carlos Rendo proclaimed April 25 as both Arbor Day and Clay Bosch Day in Woodcliff Lake, recognizing Bosch’s 29 years of service to the committee, including 25 years as chairman.
In tribute, Bosch presented a Paper Bark Maple tree to the school during a ceremony attended by students, faculty, borough officials, and members of the Shade Tree Committee.
The event featured performances by the Woodwind Ensemble, Woodcliff Singers, and Jazz Ensemble. Students received seedlings sponsored by the Shade Tree Committee to take home and plant.
Shade Tree Committee chairperson Marilyn Clark also announced that Woodcliff Lake has been named a Tree City USA community for the 19th consecutive year by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. The borough additionally received the foundation’s Growth Award for expanded efforts, including a new street tree inventory and a public education program on climate change held last May.
The Tree City USA designation requires municipalities to maintain a shade tree committee and tree ordinance, celebrate Arbor Day, and commit at least $2 per capita to community forestry initiatives.
Members of the Shade Tree Committee include Kathleen Bagley, David Berger, Bosch, Clark, Britt Dhawan, Vaughn Flower, Roberta Green, Josephine Higgins, Andy Lukac, Katie Murphy, Bert Taylor, and Evan Wiener. Dave Linko represents the Department of Public Works, with property maintenance manager Lyle Garcia and Councilwoman Julie Brodsky also supporting the committee.
Residents interested in requesting a street tree planting are encouraged to call Borough Hall at (201) 391-4977.
— Via submission by Marilyn Clark