(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library presents a program about the New Jersey’s environment, its impacts, and ways that residents can address them. “Civic Participation in Cancer Alley” will take place on Monday, September 12 at 7:00pm.  The program takes place in the Library’s Toms River Branch, and will be simulcast virtually. Independent author, journalist and environmental scientist Thomas Belton will lead the interactive discussion in Mancini Hall.

Belton devoted 25 years to biological and aquatic research in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and numerous periodicals.

Participants will discuss the history and effects of New Jersey’s environmental evolution, and how citizens can be informed and empowered to act. It will explore the history of land use in the Garden State, its impacts on communities and health, and also on views of environmental protection, preservation, stewardship, and legislation. 

Registration at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required to attend this free program. Registrants who opt to view the Zoom presentation will receive links by email prior to start time. ​​​​​​​Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations express in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, or the Ocean County Library System. 

“Civic Participation in Cancer Alley” is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.