Interlaken Shade Tree Commission
Contact: [email protected]
Shade Tree Commissioners
John Finn
Laura Fikus
Marguerite Dalton - Chair
John Insabella
David Sobotka
Charles Santoro
Janet Casini-Pepe
Borough Council Liaison: Mindy Horowitz
The Interlaken Shade Tree Commission
A Legacy of Care, Growth, and Community
When 291 trees were planted in 1927 by the very first Interlaken Shade Tree Commission, a proud tradition of environmental stewardship took root. That early effort established the Commission’s reputation as one of the borough’s most active and dedicated civic groups — a legacy that continues nearly a century later.
Thanks to the Commission’s consistent tree planting and maintenance programs, Interlaken earned recognition in 1988 as a Tree City USA, a national honor awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Through the ongoing dedication of its members, Interlaken has proudly maintained this distinction every year since.
In 1992, the Commission created the Interlaken Arboretum, located just inside the borough’s easterly entrance gates. Designed for both enjoyment and education, the Arboretum stands as a living symbol of the town’s commitment to environmental beauty and sustainability. Visitors can now scan QR codes posted throughout the Arboretum to learn more about each identified tree — from its species and history to its role in our local ecosystem.
Each spring, the Commission hosts the town’s annual Arbor Day Celebration and Art Fair — a day dedicated to trees, creativity, and community. Residents come together to learn about tree planting and care while enjoying an outdoor exhibition of works by local artists, with pieces available for purchase. This special event celebrates both the natural and artistic beauty that make Interlaken such a unique place to live.
Since 1995, the popular “Yard of the Month” program — held from May through September — has recognized residents who go above and beyond in beautifying their properties and caring for their trees, helping to keep Interlaken vibrant and green all summer long.
The Commission is proud to offer the Honor Me Tree Program, a meaningful way for residents to celebrate the people and moments that make our town special. Through this initiative, anyone can purchase a tree in honor of a neighbor— as well as to mark a milestone such as a birthday, anniversary, or personal achievement.
Each tree becomes a living tribute, adding beauty to our community while strengthening the bonds that make Interlaken such a connected and caring place to live. Participants receive a commemorative certificate, and the planted tree becomes part of the borough’s long-term landscape plan, cared for by the Shade Tree Commission for future generations to enjoy.
Education and example remain at the heart of the Commission’s work. By modeling proper care, maintenance, and protection of our urban forest, members continue to inspire residents to take an active role in preserving our most valuable natural resource — our trees.
The Shade Tree Commission extends heartfelt gratitude to the residents, the Mayor, and the Borough Council for their continued support. If our trees could talk, they would surely thank the Interlaken Shade Tree Commission for nearly a century of care, devotion, and love for the community they help keep beautiful.
To find out more information about the Interlaken Shade Tree Commission "In Honor" Tree Program please see the request form below:
John Finn
Laura Fikus
Marguerite Dalton - Chair
John Insabella
David Sobotka
Charles Santoro
Janet Casini-Pepe
Borough Council Liaison: Mindy Horowitz
The Interlaken Shade Tree Commission
A Legacy of Care, Growth, and Community
When 291 trees were planted in 1927 by the very first Interlaken Shade Tree Commission, a proud tradition of environmental stewardship took root. That early effort established the Commission’s reputation as one of the borough’s most active and dedicated civic groups — a legacy that continues nearly a century later.
Thanks to the Commission’s consistent tree planting and maintenance programs, Interlaken earned recognition in 1988 as a Tree City USA, a national honor awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Through the ongoing dedication of its members, Interlaken has proudly maintained this distinction every year since.
In 1992, the Commission created the Interlaken Arboretum, located just inside the borough’s easterly entrance gates. Designed for both enjoyment and education, the Arboretum stands as a living symbol of the town’s commitment to environmental beauty and sustainability. Visitors can now scan QR codes posted throughout the Arboretum to learn more about each identified tree — from its species and history to its role in our local ecosystem.
Each spring, the Commission hosts the town’s annual Arbor Day Celebration and Art Fair — a day dedicated to trees, creativity, and community. Residents come together to learn about tree planting and care while enjoying an outdoor exhibition of works by local artists, with pieces available for purchase. This special event celebrates both the natural and artistic beauty that make Interlaken such a unique place to live.
Since 1995, the popular “Yard of the Month” program — held from May through September — has recognized residents who go above and beyond in beautifying their properties and caring for their trees, helping to keep Interlaken vibrant and green all summer long.
The Commission is proud to offer the Honor Me Tree Program, a meaningful way for residents to celebrate the people and moments that make our town special. Through this initiative, anyone can purchase a tree in honor of a neighbor— as well as to mark a milestone such as a birthday, anniversary, or personal achievement.
Each tree becomes a living tribute, adding beauty to our community while strengthening the bonds that make Interlaken such a connected and caring place to live. Participants receive a commemorative certificate, and the planted tree becomes part of the borough’s long-term landscape plan, cared for by the Shade Tree Commission for future generations to enjoy.
Education and example remain at the heart of the Commission’s work. By modeling proper care, maintenance, and protection of our urban forest, members continue to inspire residents to take an active role in preserving our most valuable natural resource — our trees.
The Shade Tree Commission extends heartfelt gratitude to the residents, the Mayor, and the Borough Council for their continued support. If our trees could talk, they would surely thank the Interlaken Shade Tree Commission for nearly a century of care, devotion, and love for the community they help keep beautiful.
To find out more information about the Interlaken Shade Tree Commission "In Honor" Tree Program please see the request form below:
| In Honor Tree Request Form |
