Mendham Committeewoman Earns Environmental Award

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte has received a statewide award recognizing her work on environmental initiatives, including the township's efforts to curb light pollution and comply with Highlands regulations.

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions presented Duarte with its Municipal Leadership Award during the organization's 53rd Annual Environmental Congress on Sept. 25 in New Brunswick.

Duarte was one of five local officials honored with the award, which recognizes municipal leaders for environmental work in their communities.

ANJEC pointed to several initiatives Duarte has supported in Mendham Township, including passage of a Dark Sky Ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution and the township's Highlands Council conformance efforts.

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The organization credited Duarte with taking a leadership role in initiatives intended to protect the township's natural character, raise environmental awareness, and encourage residents to consider the environmental effects of everyday decisions.

"I'm honored and humbled to receive this award from ANJEC," Duarte said. "This reflects my longtime work to preserve open space, push back against overdevelopment, and ensure Mendham Township remains a beautiful place to live for generations to come."

Duarte also credited current and former members of the Mendham Township Environmental Commission for their conservation and stewardship work.

Several hundred environmental advocates, local officials and others from around New Jersey attended ANJEC's annual conference at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, according to the organization.

The event included workshops on stormwater management, wildlife habitat corridors and environmental advocacy.

ANJEC also presented its Candace McKee Ashmun Environmental Legacy Award to former New Jersey State Climatologist David Robinson. The award is named for ANJEC's first executive director, who spent more than 50 years working on environmental issues in New Jersey.

ANJEC is a Mendham-based nonprofit that works with environmental commissions, public officials and communities on efforts to protect and restore natural resources across New Jersey.