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.”
