Holland Township Celebrates Arbor Day

At New Delaware River-front Preserve

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY – Members of the Holland Township Committee and the Environmental Commission celebrated Arbor Day on April 30 as they have for the past several years – by planting a tree on Township-owned land.  But this year they planted on a new and exciting property right on the Delaware River.

Holland recently purchased 77 acres of land that were associated with the Gilbert Generating Station from the current owner, GenOn.  The newly-preserved land has been named by the local Girl Scouts troop with the Lenape word O’sakame, which means Across the River, in honor of the Lenape tribe.

“It’s worth a drive Across the River to see this lovely setting,” said Holland Mayor Dan Bush.  “We’ve already marked it with a large sign, constructed a parking lot, and mowed a trail down to the Delaware.  And now it has a White Oak tree planted next to that parking lot.”

The town has plans for the future such as improving the trails and installing benches at scenic vista points, but the preserve is open to the public now.  The entrance is right on the Riegelsville-Milford Road, which is also County Route 627.  The sign proclaiming “O’sakame Preserve” is right next to the road.  And if you visit, be sure to admire the new oak tree.

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Members of the Holland Township Committee and Environmental Commission prepare to plant an Arbor Day tree at the new O’sakame Preserve.  (l to r) Mayor Dan Bush and son Aiden, Committee members Bob Thurgarland and Duane Young, Commission members Mike Keady and Ray Note.

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Members of the Holland Township Committee and Environmental Commission shovel wood chips on a White Oak tree planted for Arbor Day at the township’s new O’sakame Preserve on the Delaware River.  (l to r) Environmental Commission members Ray Note and Jerry Bowers, Township Committee member Duane Young, Aiden Bush, son of Holland Mayor Dan Bush.