September 2025 Newsletter
Farewell September, Welcome October!
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of October! With Labor Day behind us and students back in school, it truly feels like we’re closing out summer and stepping into the crisp, colorful days of fall. The cooler weather rolling in makes it all the more noticeable. As we enter into this October, I’d like to share some highlights from September and recent developments in my work as your Sussex County Commissioner.
Farmland Preservation Update
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from the County Agriculture Development Board as the county recently received a new application for farmland preservation! Thanks to our fully staffed Planning Department, we’re able to process this application while continuing to advance others already in the pipeline. A farm visit has already taken place, and the Ag Development Board reported that the property is truly beautiful and would make a valuable addition to the county’s farmland preservation program.
County Seed Library: Seed Saving Fall Classes
As I mentioned in last month’s update, the County Seed Library has expanded to host its first-ever series of seed-saving workshops. Two sessions have already taken place with great success: one on September 18 at the Hopatcong Senior Center and another on September 24 at Liberty Towers in Newton. Both were well attended by seniors and offered in partnership with the Sussex County Rutgers Master Gardeners and the Division of Senior Services. Participants learned hands-on techniques for collecting, storing, and saving seeds from vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Looking ahead, the next step for the program will be reviewing how this inaugural year went—tracking participation, seed distribution, planting, and harvest outcomes. We’ll also gather feedback from participants to see where improvements can be made. In the meantime, the seed library cycle continues with the collection of new seed donations so we’re well prepared for the next planting season.
On the Horizon: Open Space Trails Program Adjustment
Since joining the Board of County Commissioners on January 1, 2024, I’ve been engaged not only in farmland preservation but also in the stewardship of open space. One recurring concern I’ve heard relates to the Open Space Trails Program. While the program’s vision is strong, conversations with local open space and environmental committees have made it clear that its implementation has often been challenging. Too often, the cost and effort required to apply for and administer the grant outweigh the benefits municipalities ultimately receive.
This past month, however, an opportunity for improvement has emerged. After reviewing several proposed adjustments, the Sussex County Open Space Committee approved a series of recommendations that will soon be brought before the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. As this process moves forward, I will continue to carefully review the program with the feedback I’ve gathered from local committees in mind, working to ensure it becomes more effective and beneficial for our municipalities. I look forward to sharing further updates in the months ahead.
Save the Date: 2nd Annual Holiday Party
Mark your calendars! I’m excited to share that I’ll be hosting my 2nd Annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 3, from 6–8 PM at Perona Farms. It will be a wonderful evening to celebrate the season together while supporting the work we’re doing for Sussex County. You can purchase tickets by clicking the button below or by mailing a check to 254 Libertyville Rd, Wantage, NJ 07461. Please make checks payable to: “Jack DeGroot For Commissioner.”
Click Here To Purchase Tickets For Jack’s 2nd Annual Holiday Party
It is an honor to serve as your Sussex County Commissioner—a responsibility I carry with deep gratitude, respect, and commitment. Your trust and support mean so much to me. I’m especially thankful for the generosity shown at last year’s Holiday Party, and I’m looking forward to gathering again at this year’s celebration. As always, I remain dedicated to working tirelessly for the betterment of Sussex County, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon as I continue my travels throughout our community.
Sincerely,
Jack DeGroot