Community Asset Map

Community Asset Map

To create the asset map of Somerset County, TEECS Environmental Alliance Club first researched the different types of community assets that make up a strong and healthy environment. They decided to focus on categories that support education, recreation, environmental health, culture, and community services. These categories became the key: parks, ecological sites, golf courses, observatories, recycling facilities, rivers, agriculture, recreational sports, museums, rare trees, botanical gardens, historic houses, and historic churches.

Once they finalized the categories, each group member researched real locations in Somerset County that fit into them. They used an official county website from Rutgers, and online maps to confirm the addresses and check that each asset was relevant and still active. Also, they looked for places which are accessible to community members, and have more resources. After gathering the information, they sketched an outline of Somerset County and carefully placed each asset on the map in a location that matched where it exists in real life. They added small icons and labels to help viewers quickly understand what each symbol represents, and then wrote a detailed key below the map to organize everything clearly.

The impact of the asset map is that it encourages community members to view Somerset County not just as where they live, but as a place full of valuable resources that contribute to their quality of life. By understanding these assets, community members can feel more connected to their community and more aware of how local environments shape daily experiences.