Shade Tree Commission

Meetings

  • 6 pm
  • The last Wednesday in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November
  • Hunterdon County Planning Board Conference Room
    Route 12 County Complex
    Building 1, 1st Floor
    Flemington, NJ 08822

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Hans Hanbicki, Chairman
  • William Wild, Vice-Chairman
  • Tom Mathews, Secretary
  • Keith Decker, Member
  • Neil Hendrickson, Member
  • Dan Bush, Alternate 1
  • Vacant, Alternate 2

About the Shade Tree Commission

The Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission is a 5-member commission appointed by the County Commissioners to serve 5-year terms.

The Commission works with the Hunterdon County Department of Public Works to help maintain and enhance the trees within County road rights-of way as well as provides advice to the Division of Parks and Recreation on trees within parklands. The Commission in conjunction with the County also hosts the County's Annual Arbor Day Event. Every year a tree is planted in one of the many county owned facilities or park locations.

The Commission also provides advice and expertise on landscaping on County building projects.

23rd Annual Arbor Day Ceremony

This year's Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission's Arbor Day Ceremony was held at the Hunterdon County Arboretum. The ceremony coincided with the 150th anniversary of the first celebrated Arbor Day. The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska with the planting of over a million trees.

Commissioner Van Doren planting tree

Shown here is County Commissioner Shaun Van Doren, along with Dan Bush of Hunterdon County Parks and other Shade Tree Commission members planting this year's tree, the Lacebark Elm, which is both a shade and ornamental tree. It's dark green rounded crown will add yellow and reddish purple leaves to the fall seasonal landscape.

Shade Tree Commission Members Receiving Proclamation

Commissioner Van Doren read the proclamation during the ceremony. Shown L-R are Shade Tree Commission members William Wild, Hans Hanbicki, Commission Van Doren, Dan Bush, Neil Hendrickson, and Thomas Mathews.

Emerald Ash Borer stages of life and tunnels in tree trunk

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The Emerald Ash Borer was discovered near Detroit in 2002, probably on solid wood packing material. It is spreading to everywhere that ash trees grow, including New Jersey.

Read more about the Emerald Ash Borer (PDF)

Spotted Lanternfly in different stages of life

Spotted Lanternfly

The newest concern in our area is the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect native to southeast Asia that was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, but is now spreading quickly. Although the name suggests it is a fly, it is really a planthopper. The adult Lanternfly can hope a long way, especially when jumping from a high tree.

Read more about the Spotted Lanternfly (PDF)