John Mack - Newtown Supervisor
September 2025 EAC Meeting Highlights

Overall theme: The #NewtownPA Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is moving forward with hands-on ecological projects (pollinator garden, bird habitat) while also tackling policy initiatives (landscaping equipment restrictions, native plant ordinance). Partnerships with schools, HOAs, businesses, and neighboring municipalities are key strategies.

Pollinator Garden Project

  • Supervisor Elen Snyder reported progress on the Roberts Ridge Park pollinator garden
  • Planting is scheduled for October 4–5, with over 1,000 plugs and larger anchor plants
  • Volunteers will be recruited through SignUpGenius, with shifts to prevent crowding. Download the flyer...
  • Tools needed: augers, drills, shovels, trowels, watering cans, gloves
  • Rain is hoped for; Snyder also asked the water department for a truck to help with watering
  • Community outreach includes Council Rock students, Scouts, HOAs, local businesses (e.g., Wawa)
  • Potential sponsorships are being explored for items like benches and plaques
  • Children under 12 are discouraged from direct participation, though educational activities (QR codes, signs) will be available

Partnership with Newtown Borough

  • A native planting event is planned for spring 2026 at the Farmers Market
  • This event will feature an educational hands-on container garden activity with plants for residents to take home

Silver Lake Bird Habitat

  • On September 30, 2025, the PA Game Commission will install two nesting boxes for Prothonotary Warblers (a declining species) at Silver Lake Park
  • EAC members are encouraged to attend, and monitoring of the boxes will be needed through next spring and summer

Sustainable Landscaping / Lawn Equipment

  • Discussion was held on restricting gas-powered landscaping tools (leaf blowers, trimmers)
  • Princeton’s model ordinance was reviewed, which limits use to a few weeks in spring/fall and otherwise requires quieter/electric alternatives
  • Other townships (Solebury, Lower Makefield) are pursuing similar rules
  • The goal is to prepare a presentation for the Board of Supervisors (BOS) in January 2026, after refining the proposal with EAC feedback
  • Potential involvement of local landscapers (e.g., DKC Landscaping) was mentioned

Tree Bank & Native Plant Ordinance

  • Funds from the tree bank (collected from violations and removals) are being used to support the pollinator project
  • Discussion of the revised native plant ordinance, which is now under Planning Commission review
  • CKS Engineers is assisting with edits for the ordinance
  • Clarification is needed on when BOS authorized CKS’s work, as it involves township spending

Parks & Recreation Updates

  • Newtown Creek Coalition is continuing water testing with Stroud Research Center, with more sampling planned for October
  • Clark Nature Center trails remain closed due to safety and tick issues
  • The bird blind at the Clark Nature Center is deteriorated
  • Youth programs continue, though the Clark Nature Center facility itself is not accessible

Water System Update

  • Newtown Artesian Water Company is building a filtration plant to remove PFAS
  • Water rates have already increased and may rise again; completion of the plant will take about two years
  • Hard water issues are likely to remain unaffected