Wildlife-Friendly Designation Questionnaire

The Maurice River Watershed has remarkable water quality, abundant open space, and plentiful biodiversity: no small feat for a region in America’s most densely populated state. However, poor land-use practices can compromise the health of the watershed.

When the workings of a watershed are impaired, it causes serious problems:

flooding
water shortages
surface run-off
soil erosion
change in water flow
water contamination
invasion by exotic plants
loss of habitat
property damage from storm surges

The condition of streams and rivers is a reflection of the diverse land uses within the watershed. Land management decisions made on residential properties ultimately impact the health of the entire river basin and community. Poor land use leads to dirtier water, less water, and damaged habitats, while good land use has positive impacts on:

water quality
water regeneration
healthy habitat

This Wildlife-Friendly Designation Application recognizes residents who implement best management practices. Awardees are making a concerted effort to promote healthy habitat in the Maurice River Watershed by reducing the amount of water they withdraw from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer and minimizing the quantity of non-point source pollution stemming from their property. They also manage their property to create a stopover or link for wildlife between preserved natural areas. These stewards accomplish this by providing a natural landscape that supports native plant communities and offers wildlife these three essentials: food, shelter, and water.

Respond "yes" or "no" to whether you have included the actions from the following list into your management routine.

Each yes answer is the equivalent of one stewardship point, while no responses represent opportunities to expand on your best management practices.

Applicant Name(s)

Property Address

City

E-mail

Phone

Eligibility

Do you live within the perimeters of the Maurice River Watershed shown in the map below?

Yes No

If you answered yes, your residence or property is eligible for wildlife-friendly designation. Answer the questions below to apply.

1. Reducing Withdrawals from the Aquifer

I protect river and wetland habitats as well as drinking water reserves by…

taking pointed actions to curb overall water waste indoors

Yes No

fixing faucet, pipe, and toilet leaks immediately

Yes No

replacing older fixtures with low flow models

Yes No

updating dish and clothes washers with eco-friendly models

Yes No

reducing lawn cover by steadily increasing the use of native flora

Yes No

harvesting water from downspouts in rain barrels and reusing it in the garden

Yes No

taking household vehicle(s) to a car wash that recycles water

Yes No

teaching younger family members the importance of water conservation

Yes No

reforesting clear-cut areas with native shrub and tree species

Yes No

ceasing to water lawn space and other exotic flora

Yes No

2. Minimizing Non-Point Source Pollution

I protect water quality by…

switching to biodegradable and/or organic personal hygiene products and cleaning agents

Yes No

disposing of medicines at official drop-off points

Yes No

identifying the types of contaminants potentially washing off my property

Yes No

replacing hard, impermeable surfaces with porous ones

Yes No

extending downspouts into garden beds

Yes No

using landscape contours to keep storm water on the property

Yes No

installing native plant rain garden(s) to promote infiltration vs. run-off

Yes No

reforesting a clear-cut area with native shrubs and trees

Yes No

restoring a stream/river bank to its natural condition by removing rubble or hardscaping and/or by planting a native buffer

Yes No

maintaining the health of mature native trees and shrubs

Yes No

ending the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (insecticides/herbicides) by replacing them with all-natural alternatives

Yes No

composting and using the organic material to fertilize vs. applying engineered fertilizers

Yes No

combating mosquitoes and harmful pests using integrated pest management

Yes No

refraining from using chemical de-icing products and salts after snowfall

Yes No

monitoring my septic tank annually and servicing it every 3-5 years

Yes No

eliminating the use of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides completely

Yes No

3. Creating Stopover Habitat Between Natural Areas

I provide shelter, food and water for native wildlife communities by…

SHELTER

re-creating the characteristics of nearby natural habitat on my property

Yes No

building a brush pile

Yes No

installing, maintaining and monitoring avian nesting boxes

Yes No

leaving leaf litter and dried plants on the property over winter as mulch

Yes No

adding and maintaining a beneficial insect hotel

Yes No

maintaining or planting a layered arboretum

Yes No

leaving dead and/or fallen trees to decay when safe

Yes No

FOOD

planting native flora species that are hosts for specialized butterflies and moths

Yes No

reducing lawn cover vastly by replacing it with a garden area complete with native nectar plants

Yes No

planting a variety of native food sources for wildlife

Yes No

incorporating a variety of native vines, trees, and bushes that bear fruits

Yes No

planting native flora species that provide a source of seeds and nuts, and letting them stand through the hard winter months

Yes No

planting a variety of native food sources for wildlife

Yes No

WATER

building a fish-less pond that resembles natural ponds in the area

Yes No

creating a vernal pond

Yes No

managing storm water to create backyard aquatic habitat

Yes No

incorporating a container pond

Yes No

maintaining a variety of birdbaths throughout the year, changing water every 5 days to avoid mosquito breeding

Yes No

creating a puddling spot for butterflies

Yes No

ERADICATING INVASIVE SPECIES

buying only native flora species and no exotic species

Yes No

researching the native range, benefits and disadvantages of each new flora species incorporated into my garden

Yes No

removing invasive flora species

Yes No

supporting native plant nurseries

Yes No

keeping cats and exotic pets inside

Yes No

keeping gutters clean and avoiding standing water so as not to support exotic mosquitoes

Yes No

Time's up

Conservation & Wildlife

Avian Work and Studies
Fieldwork
Trails
Stewardship Program

Upcoming Events

Apr

Sat

9:00 am 4th Saturday Walk @ Peek Preserve

4th Saturday Walk @ Peek Preserve

Apr 27 @ 9:00 am

Join us as we explore a natural gem of Downtown Millville with CU Maurice River Naturalists Tony Klock and Mary Watkins.

3:00 pm River Cleanup, Campfire & Potluck @ Address will be emailed to registrants

River Cleanup, Campfire & Potluck @ Address will be emailed to registrants

Apr 27 @ 3:00 pm

Are you ready to get muddy? Help remove washed up debris from this pristine area on the Manumuskin River. Stay after or join us to celebrate a job well done! Cleanup begins at 3:00 p.m. Campfire & Potluck hosted by the Tomlins at 6:00 p.m.

Apr

Tue

9:00 am Volunteer Workgroup: WheatonArts... @ WheatonArts

Volunteer Workgroup: WheatonArts... @ WheatonArts

Apr 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Help us spruce up the WheatonArts pollinator gardens prior to ECO Fair

May

Wed

5:30 pm What It’s Like to Be a Warbler @ TBD

What It’s Like to Be a Warbler @ TBD

May 1 @ 5:30 pm

The second of CUMR’s “What It’s Like to Be a Bird” series: What It’s Like to Be a Warbler dives into the details that make warblers unique in the bird world. Join us and guest speaker, Bert Hixon for a class in preparation for the Spring Migration. This is a great learning opportunity for aspiring and seasoned birders.

May

Sat

10:00 am WheatonArts ECO Fair @ WheatonArts

WheatonArts ECO Fair @ WheatonArts

May 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join CU Staff at the WheatonArts ECO Fair as a CU Ambassador to help at the table with educational activities and nature inspired crafts. Additional help is needed at check-in for the keynote speaker and the nature walk.