Cheltenham: Cheltenham Environmental Issues

Cheltenham’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), a new citizens committee created in May, has staked out an ambitious goal: to help make solar energy affordable for everyone within the next 10 years.

The reasons are compelling. Electricity generated from fossil fuels produces air pollution, which exacerbates asthma and respiratory illness, and increases levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is suspected of contributing to global warming. By contrast, renewable clean energy resources, such as wind, solar and water, constantly replenish themselves and do not generate health-damaging pollutants or global-warming gases.

The EAC initiative calls for several steps, starting with the Township’s participation in the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign. A non-profit partnership between the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower, the campaign encourages communities to support clean energy in order to improve public health, accelerate a clean energy market and improve the environment. The campaign will also lobby state and federal legislatures to shift subsidies for fossil fuel and nuclear power to energy conservation, mass transit and clean energy resources.

Cheltenham Commissioners have already agreed to purchase 20% of all municipal buildings’ electricity from clean, renewable energy sources by 2010. The EAC also hopes to enroll at least 200 new households for clean renewable energy, such as PECO Wind, Native Energy or Energy Cooperative, by the end of the year. Additionally, the EAC will encourage all residents, businesses and institutions to purchase clean energy.

During the last 30 years a gradual but huge change has occurred in natural landscapes in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the Eastern United States and worldwide. The plants that have been brought from other regions of the world by choice or accident have gradually found their way into parklands and natural areas. Some of those species have thrived and multiplied. They have various advantages over native plants and have managed to displace the native plants to the point where they now dominate many suburban and urban landscapes. Plants like burning bush, Japanese knotweed, and English ivy, all of which were introduced for their landscaping appeal, have turned out to be extreme environmental pests when they have thrived in wild landscape. These exotic invasive plants have compromised local ecological systems to the point of collapse. Native wildflowers and ferns are almost gone. Native birds and animals have lost much of their natural food supply and habitat. The landscapes have become dense thickest of impassable thorny and viny vegetation that is a far cry from our native open Eastern woodlands. All of this has happened while those of us who are botanically less aware just see green and assume that nature is OK and will take care of itself. In the case of exotic invasive plants nature cannot do this. Without corrective action we risk entirely losing the natural content of our parks.

Cheltenham Township has chosen to begin to reverse this ecological damage and to begin restoration of the woodlands, streambanks, grasslands, and wetlands of the Township parks. Using the most ecologically sound methods similar to those being used in parks and public lands across the country the work began this summer with the goal to eliminate the exotic plant invasion and replant the lost native plant communities. The work plan has been awarded state and federal funding, and other continued funding sources are being sought.

The actual work involves the use of herbicide through direct droplet spraying and direct stem painting of cut exotic woody and perennial plants. The minimization of herbicide application has been planned. The use of the most environmentally benign herbicide, glyphosate, has been chosen as the primary material. Glyphosate is probably the least toxic herbicide relative to humans, and terrestrial and aquatic animals of all sizes. It does not bioaccumulate and is not persistent in the environment. A blue dye marks the otherwise clear chemical so that sprayed areas can be identified and checked afterward.

A full growing season will be required to do the primary eradication work. Planting work should not begin until areas are free of the exotic shrubs, trees, and vines. In the mean time the brown leaves and stems will remain and decay on the spot contributing to the soil quality. Be patient as this process is carried out because it is intended to restore the native plant communities, our natural heritage, that we have lost.

SPECIES OF NATIVE WOODY PLANTS TO BE PLANTED

Woody stock must be ordered by scientific name. No substitutions allowed. No cultivars, strains or varieties. Stock is to be delivered to the site with scientific names and nursery source tag on each plant.

Streambank perennial grassland plantings and recommendations

Elymus virginicus Virginias wild-rye

Elymus riparius Riverbank wild-rye

Juncus effusus Soft rush

Calamagrostis canadensis Blue joint grass

Andropogon virginicus Little bluestem

Carex vulpinoidea Fox sedge

Scirpis cyperinus Woolgrass

Floodplain forest planting list and recommendations

Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis

Black chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa

Red chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia

Red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea

Gray dogwood Cornus racemosa

Silky dogwood Cornus ammomum

Winterberry Ilerx verticillata

Sweetbay magnolia Magnolia virginiana

Swamp white oak Quercus bicolor

Swamp rose Rosa palustris

Pussy willow Salix discolor

Elderberry Sambucus canadensis

Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum

Meadowsweet Spiraea latifolia

Upland slope forest planting list and recommendations

Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana

Sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia

Witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana

Ninebark Physiocarpus

Hazelnut Corylus virginiana

Silky dogwood Cornus ammomum

Shadbush Amelanchier Canadensis

Spicebush Lindera benzoin

Black haw Viburnum prunifolium

Virginia rose Rosa virginiana

Woodland wildflowers and ferns, planting list and recommendations

Other exotic invasive trees and shrubs are likely to be found as work progresses.

Environmental Advisory Council
Four Subcommittees

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP A FINALIST FOR
PHILADELPHIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS


	Cheltenham Township Environmental Projects Invasive Species Eradication EAC Subcommittees Signup for Clean, Renewal Energy (pdf form) CHELTENHAM A FINALIST FOR 2008 PHILADELPHIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS Cheltenham is a finalist for awards recognizing those who are leading the way to a more sustainable future. The EAC urges residents to support their community by voting for Cheltenham for the People's Choice Award. Winners will be announced at the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 3, 2008.
Environmental Advisory Council Four Subcommittees WATERSHED Mission: Enhancing the physical appearance and improve the overall health of the Watershed PROJECT OUTCOMES: Tree Vitalize Program Pest Management Ordinance * Riparian Buffer Plantings * Stormwater Management (MS-4 Program) * TTF Partnership * Volunteer Development * Earth Day Festival * Arbor Day Celebration * Public Education & Outreach ENERGY Mission: Building a consensus and cooperation among the community to encourage alternative renewable energy sources PROJECT OUTCOMES: * Alternative Energy Source - Solar - Wind - Methane * Cool Cities Campaign - - Global Warming - - Public Education & Outreach - TRANSPORTATION Mission: Strengthening mass transit and walkable communities PROJECT OUTCOMES: · * Pedestrian and Bike Trails - - Walkable & Bikeable Communities Concept · * Mass Transit - - Park n Ride Lots - - Shuttle/Trolley Service · * Hybrid Vehicles · * Public Education & Outreach BUILDINGS Mission: Encouraging a Green Community in design and construction of the built environment. PROJECT OUTCOMES: · * Green Building Design and Technology - - Green roofs - - Building Codes - - Solar PV Panels - - Use of recyclable building materials · * Green Schools · * Recycling Program To volunteer for the Environmental Advisory Council or one of its subcommittee, contact Assistant Township Manager Bryan T. Havir at 215-887-6200, ext. 112. CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP A FINALIST FOR PHILADELPHIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS Cheltenham Township is one of 19 finalists for the 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards. The awards recognize those in the Philadelphia region who are leading the way to a more sustainable future. The Cheltenham Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) nominated the community for its extensive measures to preserve and enhance its natural resources, including: · * Protecting the Tookany Creek watershed · * Expansive curbside recycling · * Invasive species removal and landscape management · * Advocating for clean energy · * Extensive environmental education in public schools. In addition to jury-selected awards, a People's Choice Award will be given to the nominee that receives the most votes. The EAC urges residents to support their community. Winners will be announced at the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 3. ### Invasive Species Eradication Product Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals currently in use for the Invasive Species Eradication Project: Aqua Neat Label Aqua Neat Data Sheet Glyphosate Label Glyphosate Data Sheet Super Signal Blue PARKS INCLUDED IN CURRENT INVASIVE PLANT ERADICATION PLANS (See map [pdf] to identify location of park segments) LOWER TOOKANY CREEK PARKWAY/TACONY PARK (FPC): Park Segment A MELROSE COUNTRY CLUB: Park Segment B LOWER TOOKANY CREEK PARKWAY: Park Segment C LOWER TOOKANY CREEK PARKWAY, INCLUDING LITTLE LEAGUE BALLPARK: Park Segment D ASHBOURNE COUNTRY CLUB: Park Segment E GIMBEL PARK AND OTHER PARKLAND: Park Segment F OGONTZ PARK, HIGH SCHOOL PARK, AND OTHER PARKLAND: Park Segment G FOREST HILLS DRIVE PARK: Park Segment H WALL PARK: Park Segment I E.H.PARRY BIRD SANCTUARY, EAST: Park Segment J E.H.PARRY BIRD SANCTUARY, WEST : Park Segment K RALPH MORGAN PARK: Park Segment L RENNINGER PARK, PERLEY BIRD SANCTUARY: Park Segment M GROVE PARK: Park Segment N COVENTRY PARK: Park Segment O CHESTNUT AVE. PARK: Park Segment P CURTIS ARBORETUM: Park Segment Q ROCK CREEK PARK:Park Segment R	Solar Energy Initiative Cheltenham’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), a new citizens committee created in May, has staked out an ambitious goal: to help make solar energy affordable for everyone within the next 10 years. The reasons are compelling. Electricity generated from fossil fuels produces air pollution, which exacerbates asthma and respiratory illness, and increases levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is suspected of contributing to global warming. By contrast, renewable clean energy resources, such as wind, solar and water, constantly replenish themselves and do not generate health-damaging pollutants or global-warming gases. The EAC initiative calls for several steps, starting with the Township’s participation in the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign. A non-profit partnership between the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower, the campaign encourages communities to support clean energy in order to improve public health, accelerate a clean energy market and improve the environment. The campaign will also lobby state and federal legislatures to shift subsidies for fossil fuel and nuclear power to energy conservation, mass transit and clean energy resources. Cheltenham Commissioners have already agreed to purchase 20% of all municipal buildings’ electricity from clean, renewable energy sources by 2010. The EAC also hopes to enroll at least 200 new households for clean renewable energy, such as PECO Wind, Native Energy or Energy Cooperative, by the end of the year. Additionally, the EAC will encourage all residents, businesses and institutions to purchase clean energy. Invasive Species Eradication During the last 30 years a gradual but huge change has occurred in natural landscapes in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the Eastern United States and worldwide. The plants that have been brought from other regions of the world by choice or accident have gradually found their way into parklands and natural areas. Some of those species have thrived and multiplied. They have various advantages over native plants and have managed to displace the native plants to the point where they now dominate many suburban and urban landscapes. Plants like burning bush, Japanese knotweed, and English ivy, all of which were introduced for their landscaping appeal, have turned out to be extreme environmental pests when they have thrived in wild landscape. These exotic invasive plants have compromised local ecological systems to the point of collapse. Native wildflowers and ferns are almost gone. Native birds and animals have lost much of their natural food supply and habitat. The landscapes have become dense thickest of impassable thorny and viny vegetation that is a far cry from our native open Eastern woodlands. All of this has happened while those of us who are botanically less aware just see green and assume that nature is OK and will take care of itself. In the case of exotic invasive plants nature cannot do this. Without corrective action we risk entirely losing the natural content of our parks. Cheltenham Township has chosen to begin to reverse this ecological damage and to begin restoration of the woodlands, streambanks, grasslands, and wetlands of the Township parks. Using the most ecologically sound methods similar to those being used in parks and public lands across the country the work began this summer with the goal to eliminate the exotic plant invasion and replant the lost native plant communities. The work plan has been awarded state and federal funding, and other continued funding sources are being sought. The actual work involves the use of herbicide through direct droplet spraying and direct stem painting of cut exotic woody and perennial plants. The minimization of herbicide application has been planned. The use of the most environmentally benign herbicide, glyphosate, has been chosen as the primary material. Glyphosate is probably the least toxic herbicide relative to humans, and terrestrial and aquatic animals of all sizes. It does not bioaccumulate and is not persistent in the environment. A blue dye marks the otherwise clear chemical so that sprayed areas can be identified and checked afterward. A full growing season will be required to do the primary eradication work. Planting work should not begin until areas are free of the exotic shrubs, trees, and vines. In the mean time the brown leaves and stems will remain and decay on the spot contributing to the soil quality. Be patient as this process is carried out because it is intended to restore the native plant communities, our natural heritage, that we have lost. SPECIES OF NATIVE WOODY PLANTS TO BE PLANTED Woody stock must be ordered by scientific name. No substitutions allowed. No cultivars, strains or varieties. Stock is to be delivered to the site with scientific names and nursery source tag on each plant. Streambank perennial grassland plantings and recommendations Elymus virginicus Virginias wild-rye Elymus riparius Riverbank wild-rye Juncus effusus Soft rush Calamagrostis canadensis Blue joint grass Andropogon virginicus Little bluestem Carex vulpinoidea Fox sedge Scirpis cyperinus Woolgrass Floodplain forest planting list and recommendations Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Black chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa Red chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia Red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea Gray dogwood Cornus racemosa Silky dogwood Cornus ammomum Winterberry Ilerx verticillata Sweetbay magnolia Magnolia virginiana Swamp white oak Quercus bicolor Swamp rose Rosa palustris Pussy willow Salix discolor Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Meadowsweet Spiraea latifolia Upland slope forest planting list and recommendations Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia Witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana Ninebark Physiocarpus Hazelnut Corylus virginiana Silky dogwood Cornus ammomum Shadbush Amelanchier Canadensis Spicebush Lindera benzoin Black haw Viburnum prunifolium Virginia rose Rosa virginiana Woodland wildflowers and ferns, planting list and recommendations Jack-in-the-pulpit Bloodroot False solomon’s seal Solomon’s seal Christmas fern Hay scented fern Virginia knotweed Canada mayflower Virginia waterleaf Dutchman’s breeches SPECIES OF INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANTS TO BE ERADICATED Other exotic invasive trees and shrubs are likely to be found as work progresses. Herbaceous plants, Foliar spray Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum Japan Phragmites australis Common reed (native species, exotic strain, invasive) Cane Arundinaria ? Sp. Asia or southern US Vines, Foliar spray Akebia Akebia quinata China, Japan English ivy Hedera helix Europe Mile-a-minute Polygonum perfoliatum East Asia Porcelainberry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata China, Korea Sweet autumn clematis Clematis paniculata Japan Vines, Cut-and-paint Climbing euonymus Euonymus fortunei China English ivy Hedera helix Europe Japanese creeper Parthenocissus tricuspidata Japan, China Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Asia Oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Asia Porcelainberry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata China, Korea Wisteria Wisteria floribunda Japan Shrubs, Cut-and-paint, or Foliar spray after full leaf Amur honeysuckle Lonicera maackii East Asia Autumn olive Eleagnus umbellate Eurasia Burning bush Euonymus alatus Eurasia Common privet Ligustrum vulgare Europe Deutzia Deutzia scabra China, Japan Doublefile virburnum Viburnum plicatum China, Japan Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Europe Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii Japan Jetbead Rhodotypos scandens Japan, China Linden viburnum Viburnum dilitatum East Asia Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Japan, China Morrows honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii Japan Rose-of-sharon Hibuscus syriacus Europe Seybold viburnum Viburnum sieboldii Japan Sweet breath of spring Lonicera fragrantissima Eastern China Tatarian honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica Eurasia Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius East Asia Trees – Cut-and-paint (under 3”), or Girdle-and-paint Amur cork Phelodendron amurense North China Norway maple Acer platanoides Europe Princess tree Paulownia tomentosa East Asia Siberian elm Ulmus pumila Northeast Asia Sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus Europe Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima Asia Exotic invasive species present but not part of the Twp contract Beefsteak plant Perilla frutescens India Garlic mustard Alaria petiolata Europe Goutweed Aegopodium podagriaria Eurasia Stinging nettle Urtica dioica ssp. Dioica Europe

Environmental Advisory Council Four Subcommittees

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP A FINALIST FOR PHILADELPHIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

Environmental Advisory Council
Four Subcommittees

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP A FINALIST FOR
PHILADELPHIA SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS