August 2021
Environmental News You Can Use
Fall Leaves and Clogged Storm Drains
By Charlie Schachter, Associate Member

There’s good news and bad news regarding fall leaves in Morris Township.

The good news is that our township partners with Morris County to compost the leaves collected in the fall. Assuming that collected leaves are free of other plant material, they are composted instead of dumped into landfills. (This is the same free compost available behind the Public Safety Training facility on Hanover Avenue.)

The bad news is that most township residents and their landscapers blow or rake large piles of leaves onto streets. Piles of leaves in the streets create two problems. First, leaves get washed into storm drains (i.e., catch basins), clogging them and causing flooding. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Keeping drains clear of leaves, trash, and other debris can reduce water pollution.

The second problem is public safety. With large piles of leaves on both sides of the street, drivers lose visibility and are forced into dangerous traffic situations, especially as the daylight hours decrease. Children are less safe playing in their neighborhood when leaf piles block the flow of traffic or when wet leaves make the streets slippery.

What should residents and their landscapers do with leaves in the fall? Leaves are to be placed at the curb, but not on the street surfaces. Leaves should never spill off the curb and onto the asphalt of the street. Leaves should be not less than 10 feet from a storm drain.

Many residents falsely believe that leaves will hurt their lawn. But only a thick mat of leaves that remains on your lawn for weeks is likely to harm the grass. The Township will pick up your leaves long before that happens.

What else can you do with fall leaves other than having them hauled away at the expense of taxpayers? Consider using a mulching mower to chop leaves into small pieces. They will fall back onto the lawn where the organic material will benefit the soil. You can also spread 3 to 6 inches of the chopped leaves as mulch in beds and around trees and shrubs. If you don’t have a mulching mower, make a couple of extra passes over the lawn with a regular mower to chop the leaves, without the benefit of a mower bag. This task should be done frequently, before the leaves become too deep to manage.

Bottom-line: speak to your landscaper or make these changes yourself. Never put leaves in the street and consider mulching leaves instead. You’ll save energy and money, and put valuable nutrients back into your landscape.
New Incentives for EV Chargers are Here
There’s more good news for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Last month we described the return of EV rebates, which can save you money on the purchase of a new vehicle. Now there is new support for installing EV charging in your home. The NJ Board of Public Utilities is developing a program to provide incentives up to $250 for in-home EV charging units. Sign-up to learn when the program goes live. Also, keep your receipts from 2021 and claim a US Federal Tax Credit to get 30% off the costs for an EV charging station and installation up to $1,000.
Meet Us at the Morristown Fall Festival
Free wildflower seeds, reusable grocery bags, and oak tree planting kits -- these are just a few of the things you’ll find in the Environmental Commission’s booth at the Morristown Fall Festival this year. Meet the EC members in person. Learn about sustainable landscaping, composting, and much more. Located at the Green in Morristown, the Fall Festival runs from noon to 5pm on Saturday, October 3.  
Two New Drop-Off Composting Programs Launched 
Do you want to compost, but don’t have the space, time, or energy? Two food-scrap collection services recently started pick-up programs in Madison and Morristown. Compost drop offs sites could be great for folks looking for convenient residential composting. While we cannot endorse these services, we do want to bring them to your attention. If interested, you should compare the programs to see which one might work for you. Get more information about these programs by Googling the phrase “local composting pick-up services.”  
Native Replacements for Invasive Plants 
Invasive plants are those that grow aggressively, spread quickly, and displace native plants in an ecosystem. The U.S. Forest Service has compiled an excellent fact sheet that simply and clearly lists the invasive plants commonly planted and some of the native plants that you can use to replace them. Click here to learn more. 

The so-called “Dirty Dozen” of invasive plants in our immediate area include: Norway Maple, Bradford (and related) Pear, Japanese Barberry, Burning Bush, Butterfly Bush, Japanese Bush Honeysuckles, Privet, Autumn Olive, Oriental Bittersweet, English Ivy, and Japanese vine honeysuckle.
Tip of the Month: Three Steps to Reduce Mosquitoes without Toxic Chemicals

Scientific studies show that toxic pesticides:
●    Increase risk of cancer and neurotoxic effects.
●    Poison pets, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife.
●    Can be replaced by safer products and practices.
 
Instead of using pesticides to kill mosquitoes, you should:
1.   Eliminate Breeding Areas. Seek out and drain all standing water at least once a week to interrupt breeding cycles. Be thorough! Check areas like gutters, tires, tarps, and drains. Fill holes or depressions with sand or mortar, or drain after rain. Don’t give mosquitoes a place to hide: trim back overgrown vegetation!
2.   Use biological controls; build biodiversity. For water you can't drain (bird baths, ponds, rain barrels) use biological controls to target mosquito larvae. Use products with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish (i.e. minnows or bluegills). Encourage mosquito predators such as bats, birds, and frogs.
3.   Spread the Word. The more neighbors that participate in safe practices, the more successful you will be! Learn more at beyondpesticides.org/mosquitoes 

In the news:
●    Sustainable Princeton: Let's end our obsession with highly-manicured lawns
Three Ways You Can Help
 
  • Join our mail list and spread the word by forwarding this email to a neighbor
  • Attend the next meeting of the Environmental Commission on Sept 9 at 7 PM
  • Email buzkenney@gmail.com to give us feedback