Hillsborough Township Partners With FirstEnergy and Girl Scouts Service Unit 72 to Plant a Semiquincentennial Forest

HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, NJ — Independence Day may have passed, but Hillsborough Township is keeping America’s 250th anniversary celebration going throughout the year.

So far, the town has commemorated the milestone by painting fire hydrants, hosting a township-wide house decorating contest, marking its place along the historic Washington-Rochambeau Trail, and putting on a fabulous semiquincentennial Family Fun Day and fireworks display. They are not done yet.

On Friday, November 6th, Hillsborough Township will partner with FirstEnergy and Girl Scouts Service Unit 72 to plant a brand-new "Semiquincentennial Forest" at the Beekman Basin. The initiative will see 250 trees, generously donated by FirstEnergy, planted in a single day, symbolizing 250 years of American history while establishing a lasting ecological footprint for the local community. Additionally, street trees are also being replaced or added.

Members of Girl Scouts Service Unit 72 will join Township staff and community volunteers to plant the saplings. To ensure the new forest thrives, an arborist from Hillsborough's Department of Public Works will be available on-site to guide volunteers and demonstrate proper planting techniques.

"The celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary should be about far more than fireworks and red, white, and blue," said Mayor Catherine Payne. "It must also be about leaving a living, sustainable gift, rooted in care and stewardship, that future generations of Hillsborough residents will grow up benefiting from."

The project merges environmental responsibility with civic pride, turning a milestone anniversary into a long-term improvement for local ecosystem health. Furthermore, this planting project will improve the basin's stormwater management functions as the trees mature, reinforcing Hillsborough's commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

"Earlier this year, Hillsborough painted fire hydrants to showcase our patriotism, a vibrant project that will brighten our neighborhoods for years," said Deborah Ng, Deputy Public Information Officer and 250th Anniversary Planning Committee Lead. "With this forest, we are taking that spirit even deeper, planting a rooted, growing legacy that will shade and beautify Hillsborough for decades to come."

Corporate support for the project comes through FirstEnergy's dedicated environmental outreach programs.

"The FirstEnergy Green Team proudly supports the Community Tree Program, an initiative that enriches our local communities by planting trees, strengthening ecosystems, and creating a greener, more sustainable future," said Jessica Shaffer, Senior Scientist at FirstEnergy.

For local youth, the event offers a hands-on way to take part in national history.

"On behalf of SU72, we’re excited to take part in this great event celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary," said Chloe D. of Troop 61184. "I really care about the environment, and this feels like a meaningful way to help protect it for years to come.

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About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

About FirstEnergy's Community Tree Program

FirstEnergy's Community Tree Program—facilitated in New Jersey by its subsidiary, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)—partners with employee volunteer Green Teams to donate and plant native trees in support of local governments, schools, and non-profits. The initiative helps revitalize local tree canopies, improve air quality, and strengthen regional ecosystems, while strategically planting species that grow safely clear of high-voltage power lines.

About Girl Scouts Service Unit 72

Girl Scouts Service Unit 72, operating under the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ council, serves the Hillsborough/Neshanic/Millstone communities. The service unit brings together local troops, volunteer leaders, and youth to build courage, confidence, and character through hands-on community service, outdoor adventures, and leadership development programs.

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