On the Home Page under More on This Website are two new resource documents:
Native Plants in HP Gardens – the document is a listing of the Latin and common names of the native plants found in Highland Park gardens. The Highland Park authors are listed on bottom of the document, which was compiled in April 2010.
HP Natural Resources Inventory 1992 – A Natural Resources Inventory compiles information on natural, historical and cultural resources of a community. It includes text, maps, photos, and diagrams. Once assembled, an NRI become the basis for land use planning that allows better decisions on protecting the environment. NRI’s allow Environmental Commissions and Open Space Committees to play a significant role in municipal master planning, ordinance development, and site plan review. NRI’s are utilized by Planning and Zoning Boards, departments of municipal government, and the public.
Although the 1992 NRI is somewhat dated, it continues to provide significant information on the geology, soils, streams, and other natural features of Highland Park. It also contains information of wildlife and native plant species, and historical, cultural, and recreational information.
In March 2010, the Environmental Commission/Borough of HP applied for a grant to develop an updated state of the art NRI, which fully utilizes GIS technology.