Cherry Hill Sun

Tag: environment

  • Fleisher announces new tree-planting initiative

    While Earth Day is still over a month away, the mayor and other township officials already want to make the area greener. 

    Mayor Dave Fleisher has announced the launch of a new program called “Branching Out: Growing a Greener Cherry Hill.” This project – set to launch in spring – aims to plant more than 500 trees throughout the township, including in parks, open spaces and on residential and personal property. 

    “We have an innovative tree fund that the council passed a couple years ago,” said Fleisher, “and it’s all part of … council’s commitment to replenish the trees in our community and to help keep Cherry Hill green.”  

    The tree fund and ordinance were passed in 2022 and mandate that contractors and developers put money into the fund or plant one tree for every one removed during development. So far, the ordinance has netted the township $150,000 for the fund. 

    “Now we’re in the phase of deploying those dollars to have the greatest positive impact on the community,” Fleisher explained. 

    All of the trees will be species native to the region, specifically Franksred Sunset Maple, heritage silver birch, Eastern red bud and Jim Wilson moonglow sweetbay magnolia trees.

    Fleisher credits council members Jennifer Apell and Sangeeta Doshi with aiding the initiative’s development and rollout.

    “They’re also two advocates,” he emphasized. “They’ve been great partners as we’ve developed this program.” 

    An analysis of the area’s tree canopy was done in the leadup to the announcement. Officials identified 13 areas around Cherry Hill that would be improved by the introduction of new trees. The township’s Department of Public Works and the Cherry Hill Environmental Board’s crew of volunteers will plant 120 trees in the designated areas this spring, with additional planting set for fall. 

    Another 100 trees – each 3 feet tall – will be given to residents who reserved one through the township’s website and who pledge to plant and care for them. All available slots have been filled and a waiting list was created for those who want to be part of next year’s planting season. 

    “We look to build on this success to have an even greater impact for during each planting season,” Fleisher pointed out. 

    Seedlings or tube trees will be given out to another 300 residents on April 26 in honor of Arbor Day. Species include Atlantic white cedar, chestnut oak, Northern red oak and white oak. More than 400 residents will be involved in the entire process of the initiative, with 50 volunteers helping with planting and 400 receiving trees or seeds. 

    “We found that people are eager to be part of the solution and protecting open space,” Fleisher stated. “We’ve been very vocal about protecting open space and keeping Cherry Hill green, and everyone in town has a role to play.

    “It’s a great opportunity … to bring the community together.”

  • Commissioners urging residents to conserve water as state upgrades drought watch status to drought warning

    The State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has upgraded the state’s drought watch status to a drought warning as New Jersey continues to experience historically dry and warm conditions. Due to this development, the Board of Commissioners is urging residents to conserve water and adhere to the state’s fire restrictions.

    “Unfortunately, these dry and warm conditions have not weakened and have caused wildfires across the state to drastically increase,” said Commissioner Jon Young, liaison to the Office of Sustainability. “Residents are urged to continue conserving water as we endure these intensely dry conditions. This situation is ongoing, and we will update our residents on any important developments from the state.”

    New Jersey has a three-stage drought advisory system where a drought watch, which was declared on Oct. 17, is the first step. Under a drought watch, conservation is encouraged but a warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.

    Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, which is a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. 

    Due to the ongoing dry and warm conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.  

    The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use: 

    • At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season. 
    • Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible. 
    • Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season. 
    • Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose. 
    • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use. 
    • To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year. 
    • Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year. 
    • Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

    The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought/

    For more water conservation tips, go to: dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/