GSWA Pollinator Plant Sale Coming Soon

The Morris Township Environmental Commission and 14 other neighboring towns are partnering with the Great Swamp Watershed Association for the 3rd Annual Pollinator Plant Sale.

The online sale runs from April 3-28, but many plants will sell out early, so don't delay your order. Plant pickup for Morris Township residents at the Morristown Town Hall (or other sites if you choose) on May 6.

The GSWA will offer more than 25,000 deep-rooted landscape plugs of thirty-five locally native wildflower species. Check out the Native Plant Sale Catalog for more information.

Webinar Series

The GSWA will help both novice and expert gardeners build their knowledge and prepare for the plant sale by hosting a series of monthly webinars.

Led by nationally acclaimed subject matter experts, these one-hour webinars focus on native plants and the essential role a variety of pollinators play in the ecosystem.

Two of the four webinars have already taken place, but recording of both are available to anyone who registers using the link below.

1. Native Plants for Wildlife: Key Steps Toward Cultivating Biodiversity Conservation (Access to a recording is available if you register below)
2. Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (Access to a recording is available if you register below)
3. What’s the Buzz About Native Bees? (Live on March 21, 7-8 PM; no zoom recording)
4. Native Plant Sale Product Overview (Live on April 3, 12-1 PM)

Please register for live attendance and to access recordings.

Getting rid of an older inefficient fridge or freezer could both save you money and help save the environment.

Many of us have pre-Energy Star appliances running in basements and garages, eating up energy and costing us money.

JCP&L's Appliance Recycling Program will collect and responsibly recycle your working fridge or freezer, and you'll get $50, plus savings on future energy costs.

You can get an additional $25 if you recycle an air conditioner or dehumidifier at the same time.

JC&L electric customers can schedule a pick-up online by clicking here.

• Turn off power sources. Many electronics use power when in standby mode, or even when turned off. Plug them into a power strip and turn it off when not in use.

• Seal up and save! Use weather stripping or caulk to seal cracks and prevent drafts in windows and doorframes and don’t forget to install draft guards beneath doors.

• Wash full loads of laundry using cold water. Modern detergents work well in cold water, and about 90 percent of the energy used by clothes washers goes to water heating. Use your clothes dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent.

• Use timers and motion detectors. Indoor and outdoor timers and motion detectors are a great way to make sure you only use lighting when you need it.

• Run your dishwasher with full loads, and air-dry dishes on the energy saver setting. If the manufacturer's instructions permit, open the dishwasher door at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.

• Invest in your home’s energy efficiency. Consider replacing old, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient models. If shopping for appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® models that will save you energy and money.

Nature in Harmony: A Silver Spotted Skipper and Native Bumble Bee Sharing the Nectar of a Purple Coneflower

Members of the Environmental Commission want to meet you at the Winter Farmers Market in the Convent train station parking lot. The commission has a tabletop information display and hands out free wildflower seeds. We will be there on March 5th and 19th, and on April 2nd and 16th. The market is open from 9:30am to 1pm. Learn more about the Winter Farmer's Market.

How You Can Help:

• Join our email list and forward this newsletter to a neighbor
• Attend the next EC meeting on March 9th @ 7pm
• Email a reply to give us feedback or volunteer