Cherry Hill, once dotted by farms and clear flowing streams, is now a thriving suburban community. Not as plentiful as they once were, our wetlands have become part of the background landscape. While they continue to enhance Cherry Hill's beauty, without the care of concerned citizens, they could ultimately disappear.

What Are Wetlands?
Wetlands are areas of land having water at or near the surface for longer than a week. While purifying water by absorbing and filtering pollutants, they act like a sponge to soak up and slowly release storm water, which prevents property loss due to flooding. Half of the endangered species and 80 percent of bird life need wetlands to survive.

What Can We Do?
Besides New Jersey's legislation protecting wetlands, Cherry Hill residents and visitors can participate in preserving wetlands in a number of ways:

• Maintain native landscape and underbrush near and in wetlands.
• Plant vegetation along a stream to create a natural landscape buffer area that requires little or no maintenance.
• Don't dispose of grass clippings or yard waste in wetlands or streams.
• Report misuses, such as illegal dumping or construction in wetlands, to the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy.
• Encourage local officials to support projects and master planning that provide for wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
• Avoid the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers close to streams and wetlands to reduce the risk of run-off into the water supply.

For further information about natural landscapes for buffer zones and environmentally sound lawn care options, contact the Rutgers University Extension Office.