Re-Naming Ceremony for G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve
From Community Director
On Saturday, October 11, at 1:30 PM, Mayor Charles “Charlie” Kahwaty and the Franklin Lakes Borough Council held a special ceremony to honor former Mayor G. Thomas “Tom” Donch and commemorate the renaming of the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve as the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve.
In addition, the previously unnamed access road leading from Pettee Avenue in North Haledon to the Preserve was officially named “Russ Schroeder Way” in tribute to former Councilman Russell “Russ” Schroeder, who recently passed away. Russ served the Borough with dedication for 23 years and played an instrumental role—alongside Mayor Donch—in the acquisition and preservation of the Nature Preserve for generations to enjoy.
The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Charles J. Kahwaty, former Borough Administrator Robert Hoffmann, and Jeremy Donch, reflecting on the leadership, vision, and commitment of both honorees to the Franklin Lakes community.