Charles Roberts Memorial Arboretum Learning Center

My name is Sam Zichelli and I am a Boy Scout from Troop 13 Montclair. I'm fundraising for my Eagle Scout project to improve the Glen park in Glen Ridge NJ. Almost everyone who knew Glen Ridge police officer, Charles “Rob” Roberts, knew of his unfailing thoughtfulness – frequently through individual acts of kindness. These ran a gamut from daily texts, phone calls, or conversations that made people feel valued, listened to, and cared for, to sitting with people in their darkest hours at their kitchen tables when they were dealing with a rebellious child or their own mental health crisis. Many also knew of Rob’s calm demeanor when helping deliver a baby on a kitchen floor or pulling someone out of a mangled car. And, oftentimes, they knew of his generosity, regularly buying ice cream for kids and coffee for anyone who seemed to need a cup. On a more personal level, even after a few minutes in his presence, most knew of his openness and self-deprecating sense of humor, along with his love of family and all things Glen Ridge.

But there is one thing that many did not know about Rob: his passion for plants and nature. He loved to hike and fish. And he reveled in butterfly weed, Mexican sunflowers, and his favorite redbud trees. He indulged his passion for plants while working summers, beginning in his early teens, at a nursery in his hometown of Livingston. Indeed, over the seven years he worked there, he developed an encyclopedic knowledge of plants. No one needed a plant-identifying app when Rob was around.

So, it is truly fitting that this arboretum of native trees, including his beloved redbuds, is dedicated to Rob. Enjoy its peace and serenity in his memory.