Heritage Park in Old Manahawkin was a verdant mecca during last Friday’s landmark Green Fair. Partly what made it magical was the charming scenery and lush grass, offset by the cheerful pink pops of blooming cherry trees along West Bay Avenue, but mostly it was the sense of shared investment in, and responsibility for, the community’s long-term sustainability.

Lining the field at the park were dozens of tables representing volunteer/nonprofit organizations, government agencies and public…