More than 40 HSBC employees volunteered on October 4th to further the revitalization of the Reservoir in the Jersey City Heights. The event was part of HSBC’s second annual Day of Caring and is associated with the bank’s Climate Partnership, which seeks to engage HSBC staff in efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change. While maintaining trails, removing invasive species, and planting wildflower and butterfly gardens at the Reservoir, the volunteers had the opportunity to demonstrate their personal commitments to the environment and the Jersey City community.
“HSBC has been committed to the environment for a long time and there is nothing better than putting that commitment to work with so many of my colleagues at a wonderful location such as the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance,” said Mina Lum, Senior Vice President, District Executive, HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Before the day of volunteering began, Lum presented the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance with a check for $5,000 from HSBC to further efforts to preserve and beautify the Reservoir.
The Reservoir is a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and meadow-topped walls in the center of the Jersey City Heights. Since Jersey City discontinued use of the Reservoir for drinking water twenty years ago, nature has reclaimed the Reservoir area. Walking up the old stone steps today, one gets the opportunity to step out of the hectic world and into an oasis of quiet.
However, much work needs to be done to keep the Reservoir as a natural retreat from the surrounding city. “By digging up alien plants, sprucing up the trails, and planting natural gardens, HSBC volunteers will allow native plants and wildlife to thrive and enrich visitors’ experiences” said Steven Latham, a member of the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance. “The enthusiasm and hard work of the volunteers was amazing, and we look forward to continuing a partnership with HSBC in the future.”
“The Central Avenue Special Improvement District [CASID] supports the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance’s efforts. We envision the Reservoir becoming an even greater asset to neighbors and businesses in the Heights once it has reached its full potential,” said Michael Yun, CASID president.
