(Cherry Hill, New Jersey) – As part of Cherry Hill’s Earth Day activities, residents came out and planted more than 1,400 plants and shrubs as part of a project to help restore the Surrey Place Stormwater Basin. The basin renovation is being done to improve water quality and stormwater management of the Cooper River’s tributaries in Cherry Hill.

The planting, coordinated by the Camden County Soil Conservation District and the Cherry Hill Environmental Advisory Committee, was the first effort as part of an in-depth stormwater basin revitalization project that includes five separate basins throughout the Township.

The day was organized by Cherry Hill Environmental Advisory Committee and spearheaded by Lew Gorman, committee chair.

“This project should create a natural habitat that will benefit our surrounding environment by enhancing water quality and improving overall water flow,” Gorman said. “In March, Mayor Platt created a progressive environmental plan and we are working hard to carry out its prime tenets.”

The Camden County Soil Conservation District has partnered with Cherry Hill to enhance storm basins throughout the municipality. The improvements fit into Mayor Bernie Platt’s Township Environmental Initiative.

“I want thank all of the volunteers that came out to improve our environment last Saturday,” Platt said. “These residents have a passion to keep our community clean and green. It’s critical that we continue to reengineer these basins and educate our community on these issues.”

Stormwater basins can reduce the impact of development by reducing the runoff of rainwater, improving water quality treatment, and allowing rain to seep into the ground to recharge aquifers and reduce pollution that runs off into streams. The basins can also produce wildlife habitats, create locations for wildlife observation, and promote opportunities for residents to enjoy nature.