< Back 41-43 WASHINGTON ST Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 30 Lot: 15 Year Built: 1904 Style: Early American Colonial Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung / Screen Porch Comment: Rehabilitated using modern materials. Screen porch probably not original.

< Back 139 BINGHAM AVENUE Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 95 Lot: 13 Year Built: 1904 Historic Name: Bingham Hill, William Bingham house Style: Colonial Revival Built by: William Bingham Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Mixed This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Originally called Bingham Hill that has been rehabilitated over the years with some post modern elements. See Rumson p 112;Rumson Vol. II p 105; Shaping a Superlative Suburb pp 17-19; History of Rumson pp 42-45; Legendary Locals p 10 for additional information.

< Back 147 RUMSON ROAD Year Built: 1902 Property Description Block: 113 Lot: 1 Year Built : 1902 Historic Name: Originally Tall Trees Style: Colonial Revival Architect: Warrington G. Lawrence Structure: Wood Frame This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Originally called Tall Trees. This home has been modified over time and rehabilitated over time. See Rumson p 51; Shaping a Superlative Suburb pp 124-126 for additional information.

5d0f4b06-1eda-4fc9-ba59-4eb8ee12ca0a < Back NATIVE PLANTS The Best Plants for Your Landscaping There are many compelling reasons to include native plants in your landscape. Native plants are uniquely adapted to a specific region’s climate, soil type, and growing conditions. The numerous beautiful native plants are easy to maintain, provide year-round interest and habitat in the garden and can make your property more resilient. Native plants help maintain healthy soil, cleaner water and support more resilient landscapes. These plants have evolved to survive in the local conditions and are more disease resistant, cold-hardy, drought-tolerant and are often naturally deer resistant. The hardiness of native plants means that they require less intervention to maintain; less fertilizer, less pesticides, less water, less maintenance and they protect against erosion. The reduction in necessary chemicals means less pollutants enter our waterways keeping our rivers and oceans cleaner. Moreover, native plants are actually better at filtering the stormwater that flows over the surface into our rivers and oceans and recharges our aquifers with cleaner water. The root structure of a native plant can be anywhere from three to five times deeper than their non-native cousins. Unlike the less robust root structure of turf or many non-natives, these deep roots not only out-compete weeds and invasives, but they actually filter the water as it moves through the soil removing pollutants before they enter groundwater sources. Because deeper roots help tie the vulnerable topsoil and subsoil together, a strong root structure is more effective in preventing erosion. Local wildlife depends on native plants for food, shelter and places to raise their young. Without them and the beneficial insects that co-evolved with them, the ecosystem is out of balance. For example, research by the entomologist Doug Tallamy has shown that native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars whereas ginkgo, a commonly planted landscape tree from Asia, host only five species of caterpillars. He points out that “when it takes over 6,000 caterpillars to raise one brood of chickadees, that is a significant difference.” Many developed areas remove the native groundcover, shrubs and trees and replace them with non-native species and turf which significantly undermines the health and balance of our ecosystem. Exotic plants and non-natives may offer a nectar source, but in many cases their leaves, fruits, pollen and nectar do not provide adequate nutrition, cover or breeding grounds necessary for local wildlife to thrive. Gardens that mostly feature non-native species of plants are often of little benefit to wildlife. The lack of proper habitat and food sources for native birds and insects is one factor in the decline of many of these species in the United States. For more information: 1 Audubon Society, https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-plants-matter http://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/BBP_Native-Plant-brochure-May2012_six-pgs85x11-forWeb.pdf Meet the Squad of Mosquito-Eating Species (pdf) GROUND COVER Transitioning from lawn to native ground cover is a low maintenance way to incorporate natives into your property. Ground cover saves time, money and attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Because they don't have to be mowed, ground covers reduce landscape maintenance and are especially useful in problem areas such as on steep slopes, under low-branched trees and shrubs, where the roots of large trees protrude and in confined areas where mowing is difficult—Bunchberry Dogwood ( Cornus canadensis ) does well in part sun-shade and Wild Geranium ( Geranium maculatum ) spreads easily. Converting an unused part of your lawn to ground cover saves time, money and attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Because they don't have to be mowed, ground covers reduce landscape maintenance and are especially useful in problem areas such as on steep slopes, under low-branched trees and shrubs, where the roots of large trees protrude and in confined areas where mowing is difficult. For more information please visit: https://www.greenstrides.com/great-native-ground-covers-part-i/ http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/groundcovers.html Ground Cover Plants Wild ginger ( Asarum canadense ): This attractive, low-growing ground cover is also deer resistant. It keeps its glossy leaves throughout the season and has an attractive dark red flower in spring. Many beneficial insects pollinate this plant, and its roots have traditionally been used as a substitute for ginger. Bunchberry Dogwood ( Cornus canadensis ): Good for shaded areas, this plant has tiny greenish flowers in late spring through summer which are replaced by a cluster of bright red berries in fall. Bunchberry attracts butterflies and is deer resistant. POLLINATORS Pollinators are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that many animals rely on for food and shelter. In fact, birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Most pollinators feed on specific plant species — hummingbirds sip nectar from long, tubular honeysuckle flowers, while green sweat bees prefer more open-faced sunflowers. Non-native plants may not provide pollinators with enough nectar or pollen or may be inedible to butterfly or moth caterpillars. Pollinators provide food for birds and insects as well as overwintering habitats. Pollinator gardens can be incorporated in existing beds or help to replace an area of lawn. Native pollinators for our area include Joe pye weed ( Eupatorium fistulosum ), Swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata ), Hoary mountain mint ( Pycnanthemum incanum ), and Blazing star ( Liatris spicata ). For more information: https://www.jerseyyards.org/create-a-jersey-friendly-yard/pollinators/ AUDUBON NATIVE PLANT DATABASE Plants for Pollinators Brochure (pdf) Butterfly Nectar Plants NJ (pdf) Native Butterfly Plants NJNPS (pdf) Pollinator Meadows from Seed (pdf) PERENNIALS Landscaping choices have meaningful effects on the populations of birds and the insects they need to survive Perennial flowering plants can be the show stoppers in a native gardens. These flowers are also wonderful for attracting pollinators such as butterflies, including monarch butterflies which require Orange Milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) to survive. Hummingbirds especially love Scarlet Bee Balm ( Monarda didyma ) or Cardinal Flower ( Lobelia cardinalis ). Native plants are uniquely adapted to a specific region’s climate, soil type, and growing conditions. We are lucky in Rumson to have many beautiful native plants that are easy to maintain, provide year-round interest and habitat in the garden and can make our property more resilient. Here are a few of the many compelling reasons to include native plants in your landscape. Below are a few native plants to consider. Flowering Perennials: Orange Milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa ): The caterpillars of Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed as their only source of food and the flowers are essential to native bees. These are perennial plants (meaning they will come back year after year) and can be purchased as plants or grown from seed. Blooms May-September. Scarlet Bee Balm ( Monarda didyma ) or Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Ruby-throated hummingbirds love both of these elegant bright red flowers! Bee balm and cardinal flower are both hardy plants with showy perennial flower that will bloom May-October and can be purchased as a plant or grown from seed. Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea ): These beautiful flowers attract pollinators all summer long, and in the fall, you may see goldfinches feasting on the seeds. Coneflowers are a perennial plant that will bloom from April to September, and can be purchased as a plant or grown from seed. There are many ways to include these and other native plants into your property. They can be incorporated into existing garden beds or used to convert turf to a pollinator garden. If you are out of space some plants can even be grown in containers on a patio or porch. You have the power as an individual gardener to help build our local ecosystems! For more information: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants Monmouth County Native Perennials (pdf) Butterfly Nectar Plants NJ (pdf) ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Native ornamental grasses are a natural replacement for invasive species. Big Bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ) is a tall, attractive, drought-tolerant native grass with colorful foliage and enormous benefits for wildlife. Perrenial Grasses are particularly good at preventing soil erosion along a riverbank or in troublesome spots in your yard. Native grasses are easy to care for and these grasses prefer dry, sandy, poor soil and are drought tolerant. Native grasses provide food and shelter for insects and wildlife and are deer resistant. Leave grasses up all winter for added interest and cut back in the early spring. Native grasses are an ideal choice for a sloped area that is prone to erosion. As can bee seen in this illustration, like all natives plants, the root structure of native grasses reaches much much deeper than typical turf grass.. This not only allows plant to survive in more adverse conditions and improves soil quality, but it serves to bind the fragile top layer and sublayers of soil together, preventing erosion. For more information: http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/groundcovers.html Monmouth County Native Grasses (pdf) SHRUBS Shrubs not only add structure to a garden but can provide fantastic year-round interest with flowers and leaf color. A great example of this is American Witchhazel ( Hamamelis virginiana ), one of the first flowers to appear in late winter/early spring and showing colorful leaves again in the fall. Shrubs can also be a source of fruit; Highbush Blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) has delicious fruit as does Serviceberry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ). For native evergreen shrubs, consider Inkberry Holly ( Ilex glabra ) or Mountain Laurel. For more information: Monmouth County Native Shrubs (pdf) Monmouth County Native Vines (pdf) http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/deep_shade.html TREES Native trees are a wonderful and long-lasting addition to any landscape. Trees such as the Red Oak ( Quercus rubra ) are a keystone species and support numerous birds, insects and mammals. The American Holly (Ilex opaca) can work well as a green fence between properties or along a busy road. If you are looking for flowering trees, Eastern Redbud ( Cercis canadensis ) has lovely pink flowers in the spring and Flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida ) is always a classic choice. For more information: Monmouth County Native Trees (pdf) http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/deep_shade.html NATIVE PLANTS FOR SPECIFIC GROWING CONDITIONS Native plants can solve many issues including shady areas and slopes. There are many that are deer resistant. And natives can be used as foundation plantings and as a living fence. Shade: There is no need to sacrifice color and interest in a shaded area in your garden. Some native plants that work well in shaded areas include Dutchman’s breeches ( Dicentra cucllaria ), Trout lilly ( Erythronium americanum ), Asters and Goldenrod. For more information please visit: http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/deep_shade.html Sun: You can take advantage of a sunny spot to feature many colorful native plants such as Redstem Dogwood ( Cornus sericea ) Black-eyed Susans ( Rudbeckia hirta ), and Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea ). Dry: The beauty of natives is that there are plants adapted to many conditions found in nature. If you have a particularly dry area there is no need to irrigate. The roots of native plants dig deeper into the ground than non-natives to access water. Good choices include Northern Bayberry ( Morella pensylvanica ), Grey Goldenrod ( Solidago nemoralis ) and Christmas Fern ( Polystichum acrostichoides ). Wet: As with dry conditions, there are also native plants that thrive in moist soil. Look for River Birch ( Betula nigra ), Winterberry ( Ilex verticillata ) and Summersweet ( Clethra alnifolia ). For more information please visit: http://www.npsnj.org/plant_lists/easy_semishade_moist.html Slope: A sloped area can be difficult to mow and prone to erosion, so why not turn it into a native meadow? Native perennials and grasses such as Tickseed ( Coreopsis spp. ) and Prairie dropseed ( Sporobolus heterolepis ) work wonderfully here. Foundation Plantings: Foundation plantings at the front of your home are a great place to consider native alternatives. Good options include Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) and Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea). Living/green fence: Green fences can divide properties, disguise pool equipment and act as a buffer from busy streets. Native plants to think about for this purpose are American Holly ( Ilex opaca ), Mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia ) and Eastern Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ). Containers: Native plants can even have a home in beautiful planters around your property. Consider flowering plants such as Coneflower ( Echinacea spp. ), Anise hyssop ( Agastache foeniculum ), Hairy beardstounge ( Penstemon hirsutus ) and Heath aster ( Symphyotrichum ericoides ). Coastal Gardens: Some residents may have gardens located close to the waterline, which have their own unique requirements. Native plants are perfect to handle these conditions! Beach plum ( Prunus maritima ), Prickly Pear cactus ( Optunia ), and grasses such as Sedge ( Carex pendula ) all are happy near the water. For more information please visit: https://www.gardenguides.com/list_7476645_plants-native-new-jersey-shore.html Deer Resistant: Oh deer! Our resident white-tailed deer are abundant and love to munch their way through our gardens. Fortunately there are a number of native plants that are deer resistant including Anise Hyssop ( Agastache ), Bayberry ( Myrica pennsylvanica ) and Arrowwood Viburnum ( Viburnum dentatum ). For more information: Deer Resistant Native Plants (pdf) Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance (Rutgers NJAES) (pdf) https://pinelandsalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/native-plants-for-landscaping-and-gardening.pdf Previous Next

< Back 35 RUMSON ROAD Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 134 Lot: 9 Year Built: 1904 Style: Early American Colonial with Shingle Style elements Built by: James Minugh Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Appears to be in excellent condition. See Shaping a Superlative Suburb p 106 for additional information.

< Back 3 ALLEN STREET Year Built: 1922 Property Description Block: 28 Lot: 17 Year Built: 1922 Style: Bungalow Foundation: Block Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung Comment: In disrepair.

< Back 64 W. RIVER ROAD Year Built: 1918 Property Description Block: 1 Lot: 20 Year Built: 1918 Style: Carriage House Architect: Unknown Structure: Brick This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Built on the northern end of the Borden property on the water. See Rumson Vol II p 97; Shaping a Superlative Suburb p 43 for additional information.

< Back 79 E. RIVER ROAD Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 45 Lot: 1 Year Built: 1904 Style: Early American Colonial Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Home has been rehabilitated over time with respect for the original style.

85793c84-67bd-45a4-bab2-dbb788d3b066 < Back ABOUT US MISSION Our mission is to work with the community to protect our unique natural resources. We educate our residents on what we can do to maintain and protect our land, water and air, facilitate the adoption of behaviors that will meet those ends, and motivate residents and local businesses to join in the effort. ABOUT We host a number of activities and events throughout the year in the community to raise awareness for the environmental issues we face. Join us for cozy winter movie nights tailored to both children and adults, active outdoor family events such as "Clean Up Your Parks Day" each spring or "Rally for the River Eco-Fest" each summer. Check our website for information on recycling in our town or sign your children up for the newly formed middle school environmental club. Each year, we add more fun and educational activities for our community to enjoy. HISTORY Although originally established in 1969, in 2016 the Rumson Environmental Commission was a subcommittee of the Shade Tree Commission. It did not have its own mission statement, its membership was the same as the Shade Tree Commission, but there no separate meetings nor was there a separate chairperson. We set out to build partnerships and collaborations that would help educate the community on what we can do to maintain and protect our unique natural resources in Rumson and beyond. Through our collaboration with the schools, we established an Environmental Club, installed bottle filling stations, created an “Idle Free” campaign and introduced educational programming to educate the kids on the history and importance of our waterways. Through our collaboration with the DPW and Monmouth County Recycling, we clarified the recycling practices in our community and engaged in outreach on recycling and “No Wipes in the Pipes” campaigns. Through our collaboration with the Rumson Recreation Department, we established an annual “Clean Up Your Parks Day” to bring awareness to single use plastics and recycling. Through our collaboration with Clean Ocean Action, we established an annual environmentally themed family festival to celebrate our two rivers. Modeled after a green fair established in Millburn, NJ that won the 2010 NJ Governors Award for Environmental Excellence, this festival brings together stakeholders from across the Two River area to educate families in our community and beyond. Together with Clean Ocean Action and the Rumson School District, we established community movie nights to teach children and families how to become more sustainable. Through our collaboration with the American Littoral Society, we brought river-focused educational programming the Rumson School district and established a Film+Food for Thought series. Below are some highlights of our accomplishments since 2016. 2016 Created a mission statement and developed aworking plan; Published article in Two River Times. 2017 Established Forrestdale Environmental Club; Established Annual Clean Up Your Parks Day; Initiated Rumson School District “Idle Free” Campaign; Installed bottle-filling stations in Rumson School District; Facilitated Littoral Society collaboration with Rumson School District. 2018 Created a more detailed website; Aided DPW in clarifying recycling practices, created instructional materials, and engaged in community outreach; Established annual Family Movie Night “WALL-e” & “Finding Nemo”; Assisited DPW with the “No Wipes in the Pipes” campaign materials and outreach; Established Annual Rally for the River Eco Fest. 2019 Established Community Movie Night: “The Oyster Farmers”; Maintained annual events and passed resolution to seek Sustainable Jersey certification, Formed Green Team. 2020 Achieved Bronze status certification from Sustainable Jersey Program. Previous Next

< Back 6 SHREWSBURY DRIVE Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 134 Lot: 15 Year Built: 1904 Style: Colonial Revival Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung Comment: Home is being raised due to flooding, but the main home is in good condition.

Consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. < Back 2025 Road Improvement Program Consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. Plans for Bellevue Avenue Resurfacing Phases I & II .pdf Download PDF • 27.02MB 2025 Road Improvement Program FAQ What streets are included in the Road Improvement Program? This year’s Road Program will consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. What is the proposed scope of work? From West River Road to Rumson Road the work mostly consists of the milling and resurfacing of Bellevue Avenue. Prior to the paving, the Contractor will complete some minor sanitary sewer manhole repairs, isolated sections of concrete curb repairs and ADA accessible curb ramp improvements at Ridge Road. South of Rumson Road, portions of the existing drainage system will be replaced and upgraded. Concrete curbing is also proposed to replace damaged and missing curbs. Once the concrete improvements are complete, the road will be milled and paved. Restoration to driveways and lawns are typically completed immediately before the roadway paving. Detailed project information is available on the construction plans. What company was awarded the construction contract? The Governing Body awarded a contract to L&L Paving of Farmingdale at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on July 8, 2025. L&L Paving was the lowest cost, most responsive bidder out of all the sealed bids received by the Borough for the project. L&L Paving has successfully completed prior roadway projects with the Borough. Will a representative of the Borough be present during construction? The Borough’s Engineering Department will be present during construction. Throughout the project, our Superintendent of Public Works will also periodically be on-site. What is the project start date? Milling and Paving operations are expected to start the week of August 18, 2025 on the segments of Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to Rumson Road to reduce ‘Back-to-School’ impacts to Rumson Country Day School. Drainage pipe installation will start towards the end of August with the concrete curb installation following. Milling and Paving will occur after the curbs are installed. A specific date for milling and paving is still to be determined. What is the project duration? The entirety of the project is contracted for 3 months, but due to inclement weather, unanticipated field conditions, or expansion of the project scope additional time may be warranted. What are the working hours? The working hours for the project will be Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some exceptions due to unforeseen conditions. The Contractor may arrive to the job earlier than 7:00 am, but should not be operating equipment. If this is a frequent occurrence, please contact Brett Hunger (Project Manager) or David Marks (Borough Engineer). Will the street be open during construction? The street will be closed to through traffic while work is underway. We ask that you avoid the active work areas to the greatest extent feasible. Access to your home during the work day may be restricted based on the work for that day. Access will generally be restored by the end of the work day. Parking should be accommodated on nearby streets. What is the daily impact to my property? The daily impact to your property should be minimal. However, during the milling and paving operation, access to your home will be restricted. For properties South of Rumson Road, while drainage and new curbs are being installed immediately in front of your home or the adjacent property, access will be temporarily restricted to allow for the work. If a new depressed curb is installed across your driveway, access will be restricted for 3 to 5 days to allow for the concrete to fully cure. Please park in your driveway when possible or on the street outside of the work area limits. My sprinklers were damaged, what should I do? If your sprinkler system is damaged during the construction process, please either contact a supervisor from the Construction Company, or contact Brett Hunger (Project Manager) or David Marks (Borough Engineer). Per the contract, the Construction Company is required to repair all damages at their expense. Please afford the Construction Company the first opportunity to make the necessary repairs. To reduce the extent of sprinkler damages, please mark your sprinkler heads if they are within 3 feet of the curb or road edge when construction activity approaches your property. The markers will get displaced by lawn care contractors if you locate the sprinkler heads too soon. Will my driveway be impacted by the construction? If a new apron is installed or depressed curb is extended across your driveway, there will be temporary impacts for the construction. The Contractor will repair the driveway with like materials and finishes to the greatest extent possible. We do not seal coat asphalt driveways. The extent of how far back a driveway is repaired is a function of driveway material type and grading to maintain positive drainage flow. Is it my responsibility to restore my lawn behind the sidewalk or between the curb and sidewalk? No, the contract with the Contractor includes the restoration of lawn behind the sidewalk and between the curb and sidewalk. We ask that you please water the restored lawn areas regularly or as needed until it is established. Neither the Borough nor Contractor will be responsible to replace lawn that is not adequately cared for. I would like my entire driveway or sidewalk to my home replaced. Can the Borough’s Contractor complete that work? Yes, the Borough’s Contractor can be hired to complete work on your private property. That work would need to be contracted directly between you and the Contractor. The Borough should be made aware of the proposed work, but the property owner is fully responsible for payment and oversight. Who should I contact with additional questions: Brett Hunger Project Manager 732-842-3300 bhunger@rumgsonnj.gov David Marks Rumson Borough Engineer 732-842-3300 dmarks@rumsonnj.gov In case of emergency, please contact Rumson Police Department at (732) 842-0500 Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Find-A-Tree Trees Recommended for Small Front Yards Three categories of trees are recommended, however not all trees will work in all yards: Columnar — shade trees which are generally 35-40 feet in height and 10-15 feet Compact — shade trees which are generally 25-30 feet in height and spread Ornamental — trees which are generally 20-25 feet in height and spread Recommended for Small Front Yards Brochure .pdf Download PDF • 1.97MB Tree care for newly planted trees: Watering - at least once a week, more often during the summer. Regular deep soakings are better than frequent light waterings (lawn sprinklers are NOT adequate). Deep soaking means 5 buckets poured slowly or a trickling garden hose for 45 minutes. Lack of water is the #1 killer of newly planted trees Mulch - a 5’ dia. ring of bark mulch, 3 - 4” deep conserves moisture and protects trees from mowing damage. Pull mulch 4-6” away from trunk of tree. Fertilizer - Treat your trees to mycorrhizai fungi or biostimulants to aid in root development and general tree health. A great resource for tree planting and care Previous Next