Township of Morris Environmental Commission
August 2022 Newsletter
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Recreating Habitat to Help Fireflies Survive |
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"Where have all the fireflies gone?" It's a question people in New Jersey are asking more frequently these days.
The backyards and woods of our youth were filled with thousands of fireflies at night. Their seemingly magical bioluminescence captivated our imaginations.
Today you might be lucky to see one or two fireflies in your backyard. Fireflies are disappearing because we have fundamentally changed the environment in which they evolved for millions of years. Loss of habitat, light pollution, pesticides, and climate change are just a few of the threats.
But you can help fireflies by making your property "Lighting Bug Friendly," and get rewarded with a show on summer nights.
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Leave the leaves -- and fallen wood
Fireflies lay their eggs in soil, leaf litter, rotten logs, and other brush on the forest floor. The larvae grow up in it, feasting on the slugs, snails, and worms that this type of damp habitat attracts.
Removing leaves, branches of wood, and other so-called "yard waste" removes future generations of fireflies. So let some of it accumulate under trees or around the perimeter of your yard.
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With wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, leaf-blowers blast into oblivion all of the firefly eggs and larvae nestled in leaves and topsoil. Please use leaf blowers only during leaf collection season (Oct.-Dec.), or if possible, never at all. Feel empowered to instruct your landscaper to do the same. |
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Maintain a solid cover of native trees and shrubs
Planting native trees and shrubs in your backyard is another important way to create a habitable area for fireflies.
The thick canopies help block out beams of artificial light that can interfere with mating. The leafy habitat provides cover for the adult fireflies and the leaves on the ground underneath are home for firefly eggs and larvae.
Native trees and shrubs will not only require less care and water, they will also support a wide diversity of wildlife.
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Reduce light pollution
New Jersey firefly species are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dusk), and they use light flashes to communicate.
Growing evidence shows that artificial light from street lamps, residences, and other sources may obscure natural firefly bioluminescence, with potentially catastrophic outcomes for these species that depend on these signals to find mates.
Outdoor lights should be no brighter than necessary and only on when necessary. Try to reduce your use of landscape and perimeter lighting. Using a motion-sensors and timers can help reduce electric bills and ensure that lights are used only during periods of activity.
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Throw away your bug zappers
As noted in last month's issue, bug zappers are indiscriminate killers of all insect life. Fireflies are naturally attracted to these lights, with deadly results. Ironically, zappers are not even effective at killing mosquitos at all.
Healthier, more effectual remedies include personal repellent sprays, fans, and tabletop spatial repellents.
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Panel Discussion On Community Energy Aggregation Scheduled for September 8 at 7pm |
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The Environmental Commission is presenting a panel of industry experts to discuss the topic of Community Energy Aggregation (CEA).
Energy aggregation allows a municipality to negotiate a more favorable electricity rate for its residents and, possibly, a greater mix of renewable energy sources, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.
A short presentation, followed by an open question and answer session, will take place during the Environmental Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 8 at 7pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting in-person at the Township building at 50 Woodland Avenue, or remotely via Zoom. Remote Zoom dial-in information is here. There is no need to preregister.
The session aims to educate township residents on how energy aggregation works, the potential benefits, and how to opt-out. The panel will include a representative of the N.J. Bureau of Public Utilities (NJ-BPU), as well the current mayor of Hope, N.J., for a real-world perspective from a town that adopted energy aggregation.
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Would You Pay for Compost Pick-up Service? Answer Our Single-Question Survey |
The Environmental Commission is seeking to gather information about the number of residents who would be willing to participate in a residential composting pick-up service if it was available in our township.
This service would be optional and paid for by residents who chose to participate. It would be available to single-family homes, apartment buildings, and townhouse communities.
Participants would collect their compost in special buckets and place them curbside for pick-up by a private contractor.
Morris Township residents only: Please take this one-question survey to help us evaluate whether we have enough residents who are interested to explore next steps in bringing this service possibility to our community.
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Have a Session with the Recycle Coach |
Have you ever wondered whether a specific material is recyclable here in Morris Township? Or what's your recycling schedule? Just ask the Recycle Coach.
We’ve been taught to recycle. Now let’s learn to recycle correctly. You can find the Recycle Coach on the Township website.
Not near a computer? Download the Recycle Coach mobile app for Apple or Google Play devices.
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Free Energy Savings Kit from JCP&L |
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New Jersey residential customers of JCP&L are eligible to receive an energy efficiency kit. All you need is your account number.
There is no fee for this kit and it will be shipped directly to your home so you can begin saving energy and reduce your utility bill.
What’s included in the energy efficiency kit?
- LED lightbulbs
- LED night-lights
- Furnace filter whistle
- Advanced powerstrip
- and other valuable components
*Limit one energy efficiency kit per residential account.
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“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
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Reading Round-Up: Interesting Blogs and News |
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Non-Native, Non-Invasive Plant of the Month: Dill Weed |
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While we always advocate for native plants, some non-native plants can play a positive role in our local ecosystem.
A native of the Mediterranean region, Dill Weed (Anethum graveolens), for example, is a favored food of Eastern Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. A member of the Environmental Commission recently observed up to five caterpillars on a single dill plant in his herb garden.
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Besides being easy to grow and delicious to eat, dill can be a beautiful ornamental plant when it is left to "go to seed." This stage is typically when caterpillars emerge. |
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So please plant some dill in your garden, and then leave some for the caterpillars. You'll be rewarded with beautiful Black and Yellow Swallowtail butterflies.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLIE SCHACHTER, MEMBER, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
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2022 Webinar Series: Eight Steps to a Jersey-Friendly Yard |
beautiful and healthy Jersey-Friendly Yard!
This year’s FREE webinar series reminds us that a Jersey-Friendly Yard doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Start small and stick to the basics. Each program in this series ties-to one of the 8 Steps to a Jersey-Friendly Yard.
Complete descriptions of each webinar can be found here.
If you have any questions about the webinar series or how to register, please contact kwalzer@ocean.edu. |
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Affiliations & Partnerships |
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