As we welcome spring and the weather continues to warm up over the next few weeks, this is the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore our community and our beautiful public parks and spaces.
It is also fitting that this week, I am signing the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge uniting government leaders from across the country to take action to protect the monarch butterfly, an iconic species whose populations have drastically declined in recent years. Through this pledge, we are dedicating ourselves to increasing awareness about the monarch butterfly’s population decline and dire need for new habitats, and working to promote and grow the many pollinator-friendly habitats we have throughout the Township.
Thanks to the efforts of the Cherry Hill Environmental Board, the Township is already leading the way. This past October, for example, CHEB board member Barbara Patrizzi helped organize efforts to become the first municipality in Camden County and the fifth in New Jersey to become a certified National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. Through this program, communities become healthier, greener, and more wildlife-friendly by creating wildlife habitats throughout the community while educating and engaging residents through events, educational workshops and hands-on service projects.
This is an important certification that demonstrates Cherry Hill’s dedication to supporting our natural resources. I’m proud to have the enthusiastic support of our recently reinvigorating Cherry Hill Green Team, and especially Councilwoman Sangeeta Doshi and Councilwoman Jennifer Apell.
With Women’s History Month in full swing, I also wanted to let you know about an event to help women in our community this month. Distributing Dignity is a local nonprofit that aims to distribute new under garments, and female hygiene products to enhance the dignity of women in need. You can participate in their March “PADNESS” event by dropping off new, unopened packages of pads and tampons and new bras at the Cherry Hill Public Library, where a collection box is located in the library lobby. Thank you for helping to support such an important cause.
