Cherry Hill, NJ Replaces Grass With Wildflowers Along Parts of Rt. 70
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) - Seeds are being planted to make a stretch of Route 70 in Cherry Hill a bit more scenic.
Cherry Hill mayor Bernie Platt says ten sections of the median along Route 70 will be planted next week with wildflowers.
Lori Braunstein, founder of "Sustainable Cherry Hill," says it's a perfect alternative to repeatedly mowing the grass on the median -- saving on gas, lowering the carbon footprint, perhaps even making drivers a bit more tranquil.
"People will be able to look out and be inspired by something beautiful and natural," she said. "Studies have shown that natural areas are less likely to be littered upon."
New Jersey state senator Jim Beach says they're aiming to make it revenue-neutral:
"We're going to encourage all of our businesses to sponsor sections of the wildflowers, so it will be at no cost to the taxpayers to do this."
In return, sponsors would get signs advertising their businesses at appropriate locations.
The project is a collaboration among Cherry Hill Township, the NJ Department of Transportation, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. A local civic organization has donated the seeds, and a Berlin, NJ landscaper has volunteered its expertise, time, and equipment to water the flowers.
Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060
