Invasive plant species in New Jersey
New Jersey may be known as the Garden State, but residents with green thumbs hoping to cultivate healthy, vibrant flower beds or lush, luxuriant lawns face numerous challenges. How numerous? Hillsborough’s Duke Farms, which calls itself “a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st century, has identified 55 species of invasive plants on its property, which encompasses 810 acres of woodlands and 464 acres of grassland bird habitat.
Folks whose experience with flowers may begin and end with cut carnations bought at the supermarket or bouquets purchased from a local shop may not understand the danger presented by invasive plant species, which often look quite attractive. Beauty in this case is definitely petal deep: invasive species also known as non-native or introduced species negatively alter their new environments, adversely affecting invaded habitats and bioregions.
EPA Superfund cleanup drags on
After seven years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still only making preparations to address a site contaminated with toxic materials in Newark.
EPA has extended the public comment period to January 20, 2021 on its proposed cleanup plan for the Riverside Industrial Park Superfund site on the bank of the Passaic River in Newark.
The proposed plan includes a combination of technologies and methods to address the cleanup of contaminated soil, soil gas (gas trapped in the soil), groundwater, sewer water and waste at the site.
The Riverside Industrial Park Superfund site is located on a 7.6-acre active industrial property that includes both current and former manufacturing and packaging facilities.
Winter is here: Be ready for anything when cold weather hiking
Outdoor activities are still considered some of the COVID-safe fun you can have.
While Pennsylvania and New Jersey have cancelled their planned First Hikes for Jan. 1, state parks are still open to the public. New York has some small, guide-led hikes planned.
On the 10th anniversary of First Hikes, you can take precautions and plan your own, getting your new year off to a healthy, outdoor start.
Be realistic
Can you handle a winter hike? Consider your own limitations. Choose trails you are familiar with, shorter trails if you don t have as much experience.
Itâs hard to overstate the health benefits of walking. A brisk daily walk or hike keeps your bodyâs systems tuned, and helps with everything from muscle strength to blood pressure to digestion.
And when you walk outdoors in nature, the benefits multiply. Fresh air, sunshine, green scenery â and, right now, the chance to walk with friends and family during the COVID-19 pandemic â all do wonders to lift spirits and boost physical and mental health.
For the past several years, the state of New Jersey has offered âFirst Dayâ guided hikes on Jan. 1 at state parks, forests and recreation areas. Unfortunately, like so many events this season, the stateâs organized First Day hikes were cancelled for 2021 due to the uptick in coronavirus cases.