Sustainable West Milford becomes Nature Connection

Sustainable West Milford, a nonprofit organization that sponsors the West Milford Farmers Market, Organic Community Gardens and the Native Medicinal Garden, has changed its name and shifted its focus.

Now called Nature Connection of West Milford, the group has moved from promoting sustainable living to promoting a deep connection to nature, said Luke Aaron, executive director, and Wendy Watson-Hallowell, board chairwoman.

When Sustainable West Milford started in 2007, “our community used tons of plastic bags and plastic bottles, did very little recycling, and the county was spraying herbicides along our roads.”
”Now it’s a region where residents use their own shopping bags, drink from BPA-free and stainless-steel bottles, recycle 50 percent of their waste, and the county is back to mowing instead of spraying along our local lakesides.

“We are so proud and humbled to have been an educator and contributor to many local sustainable solutions.”

To better serve West Milford and its residents, Nature Connection of West Milford will work to empower residents and visitors to connect with nature.

“A connection to our environment reminds us that we are one and the same. Once we’ve forged this kind of deep connection to nature, the last thing we want to do is harm it ... instead we want to protect it, enjoy it and share it.”

The group plans to create hands-on and virtual opportunities for residents and visitors to experience their connection to nature and to each other.

“Our farmers market, community gardens and medicinal garden already use the environment around us to empower and teach residents to connect with, nourish and heal themselves and their communities. But there are so many more ways West Milford connects people and nature!”

By compiling a comprehensive resource of community groups, locations, events and experiences, Nature Connection’s online resource portal will make it easier for people to find all of the ways they can connect with nature.

Nature Connection will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at the West Milford Township Library to explain its plans and ways for residents to get involved.

For information, go online to www.natureconnectionwestmilford.org