'Food Forest' To Be Planted At Howell Middle School South

HOWELL, NJ — Students at Howell Middle School South are going to become stewards of a major donation of fruit trees and oak saplings from FirstEnergy Corp., part of a company initiative to promote the preservation of natural resources.

The school, in collaboration with the Howell Green Team and Shade Tree Commission, has been selected to receive a donation of 30 fruit trees and 800 oak tree saplings from FirstEnergy Corp. as part of the company's goals to reduce the carbon footprint, promote the responsible use of natural resources and advance sustainable practices. FirstEnergy subsidiary JCP&L is the area's electricity provider.

On May 5, local officials, members of the school community, and FirstEnergy Corp. volunteers will plant the fruit trees for the creation of the Howell Township Middle School South’s Food Forest. the school is at 220 Ramtown-Greenville Road.

In addition to providing a source of fresh fruit, the food forest will serve as a part of an outdoor classroom.

It's a way to expand the school’s outdoor “learnscape,” local environmental groups say.

And it will create a sustainable source of fresh fruit for local food pantries, while promoting community engagement and educational opportunities.

"The food forest project is an excellent example of how businesses, township organizations, and school communities come together to create sustainable solutions to local challenges," said Josh Langenberger, Howell Middle School South science teacher.

"Not only will this initiative promote healthy living, but it will also serve as an educational resource for our students to learn about sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the environment," he said.

The project was initiated by the Howell Township Green Team and Shade Tree Commission in partnership with Howell Township Middle School South PTO and staff. It's funded through a grant from FirstEnergy Corp.

The food forest will be planted on a 5,300-square-foot plot within a larger area dedicated to promoting student global stewardship, said Lisa Doud, chairperson of the Howell Township Green Team nd Shade Tree Commission. .

The food forest will feature a diverse range of donated fruit trees including apple, peach, pear, plum and nectarine trees. The food forest will be maintained through sustainable and organic practices, including natural pest control and water conservation techniques, she said in a news release.

The project will offer volunteer opportunities and educational programs on topics such as composting, soil health, and plant propagation.

All Howell Middle School students will also receive an oak sapling for planting at home as an extension of stewardship, stressing the importance of trees and their role in the ecosystem.

This helps students develop an appreciation for the natural world and understand the impact of human activities on the environment, Doud said.

"We are excited to see this collaborative effort come to fruition," said Doud. "The food forest will not only provide a source of fresh fruit for our community, but also serve as an educational resource for generations with the additional benefit of educating the students on the value of trees within our community."

The planting of the food forest is scheduled to take place May 5 at 9 a.m.

For more information on how you or our business can support our student global stewardship program and outdoor classroom, contact Josh Langenberger at jlangenberger@howell.k12.nj.us or the Howell Shade Tree Commission at friendsofhowellstc@gmail.com.