Local nature notes site has many taking note BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer EAST BRUNSWICK - If all its awards were trophies, the Environmental Commission's mantel would be getting full by now. The latest award comes courtesy of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), which recognized the local group's Web site, www.njnaturenotes.com, with the 2006 Environmental Achievement Award. The site was created and is maintained by commission member Richard Wolfert. In only about a year, the Web site received more than 12,000 hits, according to commission member David Moskowitz. Wolfert said the site has received viewers from all 50 states, plus 73 countries. "This is our soapbox, our stage," he said. Wolfert presented the award to the mayor and Township Council at Monday night's meeting. "This Web site has been the stage with which we can let you know of important events and learn about the latest developments in nature, science and the environment," Wolfert said. "Such education and awareness helps develop a deeper appreciation of the world around us and a stronger desire to protect it." Among the reasons the Web site has gained such renown are its information on birds and local bird counts, the latest news from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, environmental videos, news on butterflies and the annual salamander crossing that the Environmental Commission brought attention to in recent years. In addition, there is a lengthy list of links people can access to find topics not covered on the Web site, Wolfert noted. Moskowitz described the site as a "portal to all of the Environmental Commission activities and programs, as well as extensive coverage and links to all sorts of environmental news." Wolfert said the range of people visiting the Web site for information extends from students doing school projects to professionals looking for research materials. East Brunswick is known not only for its Butterfly Park, but for the pre-spring salamander crossings on Beekman Road. In addition, people can also get information about weather, travel and other associated topics, Wolfert said. "There's a huge amount of information for kids in school, yet also information on vacations too," he said. The commission has previously received awards for the Butterfly Park and salamander project. With three environmental achievement awards now, it has more than any other Environmental Commission in the state, Moskowitz said. Wolfert accepted the award during the annual Congress of ANJEC awards event Oct. 30. Wolfert said the commission uses the Web site to get the community more involved in the environment and related activities. "This has been an inclusive effort, an attempt to draw in as many people as possible," he said. "It brings nature and science to anyone who wishes it." But the site is also an effort to make the environment healthier and help natural diversity come back, he said. One popular service on the Web site is an e-mail alert that anyone can sign up for. The list allows people to know as soon as possible about commission projects and programs, and to keep updated on important happenings, Moskowitz said. Wolfert, in a letter to the Sentinel, expressed thanks to all those who keep coming back to the site and for subscribing to the e-mail list. "You are what makes this site a success, and we hope to be able to give you even more relevant, timely and interesting information in the future," he wrote.