Vineland Honors Longtime Environmental Leader, Community Advocate Sue Fenili

Vineland marked the retirement of a prominent local conservationist on December 9 when Mayor Anthony Fanucci formally presented a proclamation to Sue Fenili for her service on the Vineland Environmental Commission. Fenili, who holds the title Trustee Emeritus with regional group CU Maurice River, has been a member of the Commission and its predecessors since 1972, concluding 53 years of continuous civic work.

The Vineland Environmental Commission advises the city on a wide range of issues including open space preservation, water resource management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and the protection of flora and fauna. The Commission also may recommend elements and programs for inclusion in the City of Vineland Master Plan through the City Planning Board, making it a key influence on long term municipal decisions.

Fenili’s record includes advocacy for the 2007 New Jersey open space referendum and deep involvement in the city’s Arbor Day efforts. She was instrumental in planting trees in parks and delivering young trees to elementary schools, creating hands on experiences for children and distributing saplings to residents. Her approach combined practical conservation with community engagement, bringing outdoor learning into her classroom and creating memorable stewardship experiences for the littlest residents.

Beyond tree planting, Fenili volunteered with CU Maurice River and supported projects to protect monarch butterflies and other species, connecting local stewardship to broader ecological concerns. Her efforts contributed to municipal planning decisions that emphasize healthy habitats and sustainability, and have left visible marks on Vineland’s public spaces and schoolyards.

For residents, Fenili’s retirement is a moment to recognize long term civic dedication that shaped neighborhood shade, school programs and local environmental priorities. The Commission remains in place to carry forward those responsibilities, and Fenili’s legacy provides a local example of how sustained volunteer leadership can influence policy, education and the natural fabric of the community.