SUMMIT AREA — The Summit Area Old Guard will welcome Donna Goggin Patel, Esq., to its Tuesday, April 23 meeting. Ms. Patel will speak in her capacity as chair of the City of Summit Environmental Commission on the “Tiny Forest” behind the Summit Community Center.

Did you know you can re-grow a forest in a few decades in as little as three to four parking spaces worth of space? Or that Summit has its own version — the Tiny Forest — behind the Community Center? Old Guard members will learn about the importance of native species and how dense pocket reforestations can help mitigate climate change in New Jersey.

Ms. Patel, a graduate of New York University Law School, also may discuss the latest sustainability efforts in Summit and other planned and ongoing environmental efforts.

Founded in 1930, the Summit Area Old Guard meets most Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at the New Providence Presbyterian Church, located at 1307 Springfield Avenue, New Providence. The Old Guard is a social, recreational and educational fellowship of retired men. Dues are minimal. The group provides speakers and multiple activities through the volunteer efforts of its members. Its motto is “Come for the Programs. Stay for the Friends.” Past speakers and much more can be viewed at summitoldguard.org. Upcoming presentations at Summit Area Old Guard meetings in April and May include the following: April 30 — Old Guard member David Dietz, Peapack Private Wealth Management: Current risk and reward in equities.

May 7 — Advancing Opportunity: First-Generation College Student Success, with Dr. Leslie Pendleton.

May 14 — Wine, Beer and Spirits Business in New Jersey, with Gary Fisch, founder and CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace.

May 21 — Genealogy and Ancestry.com, with Old Guard member Allen Hamilton.

May 28 — Chris Gaffney of the Metropolitan Golf Association.