Hillsborough Historical Sites Map Launched

The BoroGreen grassroots group has launched the historical sites online map for Hillsborough with the partnership of the and the Historical Preservation Committee. Over the course of two library workshops, "Green Maps" and "Mapping Town Treasures," we learned what mattered to residents.

At last November’s library workshop to launch the program funded by a Dodge Foundation grant, residents shared their collective interests. Avid cyclists explained how dangerous it was to bike in certain areas of town because of limited or absence of shoulders on the sides of the roads.  Other residents expressed an interest in historical sites and their wish to identify landmark trees or fruit trees on public lands.  The input stresses the importance of identifying Hillsborough’s treasures so the public can appreciate them before they disappear because of development, damage, or because they are unaware.  

BoroGreen invites residents to explore these treasures at www.opengreenmap.org. Type in Hillsborough, NJ in the search box. The sites will appear above the donate button.  Just click on any of them to read a description. When you click on “Historical Sites”, it will bring you to the actual map.  You are encouraged to add comments if you want to share your knowledge about a site or upload a picture.  You can also add a site by clicking on Suggest a Site.  It will take a few days to appear on the public map since our Green Maps coordinator will need to approve first.  The shortcut link is http://www.opengreenmap.org/greenmap/historical-sites?autoBubbleNID=26419[TL1] .

Participants at the two public library workshops in October and January also learned great ways to share their maps to spark new appreciation for the environment and highlight opportunities for greener and healthier lifestyles.

The synergies of having cyclists, members of the Hillsborough Historic Preservation Commission, Girl Scouts, and Interact Club members at the same Green Maps workshop have led to ideas such as a flashlight storytelling tour of historical cemeteries, a family walking tour of three of the historical sites, and a 5-mile bicycle loop where the rest area is at a historical site so participants get refreshments and listen to historical buffs talk about the site’s significance.  There was also talk about charging modest fees so that the town residents could support a farmer’s market.  If you are interested in supporting or getting involved in these future programs, please contact info@borogreen.org. As you can see, the common thread is a stronger sense of community and better quality of life. Now that’s sustainable!

Different organizations can contribute sites to Green Maps.  Scouts are welcome to take charge of one theme such as all of the bike paths in our town as a Silver, Gold, or Eagle project.  Individuals are welcome to add sites to meet service requirements for churches, synagogues, and temples.  Booster clubs may want to map all the playing fields in town.  This can be helpful to visiting teams and new families who are joining the teams.  Contact info@borogreen.org if you or your organization would like to contribute. Let’s highlight the beauty of Hillsborough and share your knowledge of our town with others. 

The BoroGreen grassroots group would like to thank the Hillsborough Public Library for yet another great partnership in engaging our residents. Go to the library’s Facebook page and www.borogreen.org to see pictures from the workshops.  Stay tuned!