Quarterly Newsletter - Fall 2026
Welcome to our fall updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our fall update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the end of the year.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2025
Welcome to our winter-weather updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our winter-weather update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the cooler weather of seasons.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Quarterly Newsletter - Autumn 2025 Edition
Welcome to our fall-weather updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our fall-weather update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the warm weather of seasons.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Quarterly Newsletter - May 2025 Edition
Welcome to our spring-weather updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our spring-weather update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the warm weather of seasons.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Proclamation: Jason Bond Awarded the Pillar of Middlesex
The Borough of Middlesex proudly recognizes Jason Bond as a Pillar of the Community for his decades of dedication to the Middlesex Borough Shade Tree Commission.
Mayor Mikolajczyk, on behalf of the Governing Body, proudly recognized Jason Bond as a Pillar of the Community for his decades of dedication to the Middlesex Borough Shade Tree Commission. The Borough extends its heartfelt gratitude to Jason for his invaluable efforts and lasting impact on the community.
Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2024 Edition
Welcome to our winter updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our winter update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the winter months.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Quarterly Newsletter - Autumn 2024 Edition
Welcome to our fall updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our autumn update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the autumn months.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Arbor Day Foundation Again Names Middlesex a "Tree City USA"
A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
May 2024 | Middlesex was named a “2023 Tree City USA®” by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor our commitment to effective urban forest management. A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
The status honors the Borough’s commitment to effective urban forest management. Middlesex achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The benefits trees bring to urban environments are endless — and by earning Tree City USA recognition, our Middlesex Borough community proves we do experience the benefits firsthand.
The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.
Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.
Read more about the Tree City USA program on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website here.
Tree City USA is a community improvement and national recognition program for towns and cities, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Middlesex Borough achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found here (link opens in new window).
Announcing Our New Tree Nursery
With the Tree Giveaway program, we will grow over 300 bare-root trees to give away to our residents in the fall…
Middlesex proudly announces its commitment to planting more trees to compensate for the 35 acres lost due to the flood control project. With the Tree Giveaway program, we will grow over 300 bare-root trees to give away to our residents in the fall. We are confident that our residents will be thrilled to receive a tree once they learn about the numerous benefits that trees provide, from supporting pollinators and birds to enhancing property values.
With the hard work of the Middlesex DPW and the Environmental Commission, we have created a Tree Nursery on Rock Lane, and we are excited to see the positive impact that this initiative will have on our community and the environment.
Quarterly Newsletter - May 2024 Edition
Welcome to our spring-weather updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our spring-weather update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the warm weather of seasons.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Quarterly Newsletter - December 2023 Edition
Check out the PDF version of our newsletter, or browse this edition’s departments and topics here.
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our cold-weather update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life this winter.
Read the entire publication by using the button below (PDF) — or review the Departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s current topics.
Departments and Topics
Middlesex Again Named A "Tree City USA"
A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
July 2023 | Middlesex was named a “2022 Tree City USA®” by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor our commitment to effective urban forest management. A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
Cooler temperatures. Cleaner air. Higher property values. Healthier residents.
The benefits trees bring to urban environments are endless — and by earning Tree City USA recognition, our Middlesex Borough community proves we do experience the benefits firsthand.
The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.
Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.
Read more about the Tree City USA program on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website here.
Tree City USA is a community improvement and national recognition program for towns and cities, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Middlesex Borough achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found here (link opens in new window).
Tree Planting Event a Growing Success
Last weekend, the Shade Tree Commission and Girl Scouts worked together planting trees at the Open Space on Raritan Avenue…
Last weekend, the Shade Tree Commission and Girl Scouts worked together planting trees at the Open Space on Raritan Avenue. In attendance was the entire Middlesex Borough Shade Tree Commission, along with Girl Scout Troop 60509.
They planted 90 redbud and northern red oak tube seedlings. Troop leader Kris Zaccone said, "Thank you for allowing Girl Scout Troop 60509 to participate! The girls enjoyed the experience!"
Middlesex Borough is proud to be a Tree City USA® for 34 years!
Celebrate With Us: Annual Tree Lighting Dec. 4, 2022
Join Mayor John L. Madden and the Middlesex Recreation Department in Celebrating Our Annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, December 4…
Join Mayor John L. Madden and the Middlesex Recreation Department in Celebrating Our Annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Enjoy local entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides around the park, cookies, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, and more!
Sponsored by the Middlesex Recreation Department; for more information or to learn how you can get involved, email recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Arbor Day Foundation names Middlesex a 2021 Tree City USA
A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
May 2022 | Middlesex was named a “2021 Tree City USA®” by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
Tree City USA is a community improvement and national recognition program for towns and cities, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Middlesex Borough achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.
Read the official press release from the Arbor Day Foundation (pdf)
Read more about the Tree City USA program on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website here.
Arbor Day Planting Photo Gallery
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found here (link opens in new window).
Celebrate With Us: Annual Tree Lighting Dec. 5
Join Mayor John L. Madden and the Middlesex Recreation Department in Celebrating Our Annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, December 5…
Join Mayor John L. Madden and the Middlesex Recreation Department in Celebrating Our Annual Tree Lighting event on Sunday, December 5th at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Enjoy local entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides around the park, cookies, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, and more!
Sponsored by the Middlesex Recreation Department; for more information or to learn how you can get involved, email recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Mayor's Weekly Message: The Spotted Lanternfly Invasion
“By now we are all familiar with another obtrusive uninvited pest. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) in one of the most invasive pests that we have seen…”
By now we are all familiar with another obtrusive uninvited pest. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is one of the most invasive pests that we have seen. Their gluttonous appetite feeds on the life-giving sap of many plants and trees. The piercing-sucking mouth will infiltrate the outer bark and walls of trees, grapevines and of course the softer outer layer of plants. The feeding damage severely stresses the trees and plants decreasing their health and their potential death.
As the SLF feeds, their digestive system excretes honeydew which is a sugary substance that can attract wasps, bees and other insects. The honeydew builds up and promotes the growth of sooty mold (fungi) which can cover plants, outdoor furniture, forest floors, cars and anything else below their feeding area.
Already, many counties in Pennsylvania are under a state-imposed quarantine in an effort to slow the spread (sounds familiar?).
Quarantine compliance in the Commonwealth requires all businesses and organizations within the Quarantine zone to obtain permits issued by the PDA (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture). New Jersey may soon follow.
Fruits and vegetables are at serious risk for the agricultural economy in more and more states.
So far the New Jersey berry crops including cranberry and other staples have not been affected. It appears that it is just a matter of time before we may need to take serious protective measures. The best thing is to squish them when you see them. They are very quick moving. Allowing them to fly away will mean that they will destroy other trees and plants.
SLF Egg Masses
SLF egg masses are produced in late summer and well into the early winter. The majority of egg masses occur in October. Unfortunately these egg masses survive winter and ultimately hatch into SLF nymphs in early spring. Each egg mass contains an average of 30-50 eggs .An individual female may produce at least 2 egg masses. Since the mature SLF is very quick and almost defies an easy termination it is important to know at this point in their life cycle is the only stage that they are stationary and an easy target for destruction.
Identifying Egg Masses
Despite the variation in color, typically the adult SLF are brown/grey and are usually 1.5 inches long. All egg masses contain rows of small eggs approximately the size of a sharpened pencil. The rows may vary in length within the same egg mass. The color of the eggs may vary from yellow to brown. Upon hatching, the female will cover the eggs with a substance to allow them to survive the winter. In addition this substance also protects them from predators. The substance is initially white and glossy. However within a few hours, the substance becomes dull and then dries to a darker grey/brown color. It is interesting to note that if you find egg masses which are not covered, it is because the female SLF has been disturbed or interrupted by humans or other factors. This suggests that there will be a much lower hatch rate.
Egg mass cases that were laid 2 years ago can still be found on trees and other structures. The easiest way to identify a fresh egg mass or an old one is to check for the coating/covering on top of the egg mass and also check for the presence of emergent holes. The covering fades with time and will often disappear altogether. Additionally, each egg mass is equipped with a top” hatch door” that nymphs use to escape out in the spring. If you see these “hatch door” with perfectly oval holes means that the eggs have already hatched from it.
You do not have to venture far to see how ubiquitous they are. Please be aware that the egg masses settle on a flat surface and should be easy to identify. By making an extra effort to eliminate them will save many of our trees, plants and crops. After perusing this article, I hope that you can still enjoy your favorite omelette. Enjoy this beautiful weather.
Mayor John L. Madden
Arbor Day Foundation names Middlesex a 2020 Tree City USA
The Arbor Day Foundation has named Middlesex, New Jersey a “2020 Tree City USA®” in recognition of our community’s commitment to caring for and managing its public trees.
(March 18, 2021) Lincoln, Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation has named Middlesex, New Jersey a 2020 Tree City USA® in recognition of our community’s commitment to caring for and managing its public trees. A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
Tree City USA is a community improvement and national recognition program for towns and cities, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Middlesex Borough achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.
Read the official recognition letter from the Arbor Day Foundation here.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found here (link opens in new window).