Environment Projects

Environmental Mitigation and Landscape Master Plan (EMLMP)

The EMLMP is a unique 3-phase project unlike any other in Camden City. The goal of the EMLMP is to mitigate environmental degradation in Waterfront South with a focus on outdoor air pollution. The primary objectives of Phase I are:

1) Landscaped Berm – construction and planting of a living buffer between industrial and residential areas.  The trees of the landscaped berm will filter particulate matter from the air and break the wind carrying those particles.  It will also aesthetically improve the Waterfront South neighborhood by blocking residential views of industry.

2) Greenspace Gateways - revitalization of open spaces (abandoned/vacant lots) throughout Waterfront South.  The primary function of these open spaces will be environmental mitigation by creating carbon sinks, particulate matter catchments, stormwater retention/mitigation areas, wildlife habitat etc.  These open spaces will also serve as "gateways" welcoming people into the historic Waterfront South neighborhood, and provide for aesthetic revitalization for the neighborhood.

3) Streetscape - revitalization of the 1700 block of Ferry Avenue.  New sidewalks, enlarged tree beds, new planting beds, raised curbs and new historic lighting will create a streetscape that functions to mitigate environmental problems by filtering noise and particulate matter from traffic, mitigating stormwater by reducing impervious surface, and creating a safe and healthy place that encourages positive outdoor activities. 

Waterfront South Tree Nursery

Arbor Day weekend 2007, the first tree nursery in Waterfront South was established.  The nursery is located on Heart of Camden land on Ferry Avenue between Webster and Jackson Streets across the street from the CCMUA.

Volunteers have been clearing and cleaning the lot since November 2006. Chris Kumpf, an Eagle Scout candidate, transformed the three vacant lots into the Waterfront South TreeKeepers Nursery with the help of Troop 70 as part of his Leadership Service Project. The tree nursery is home to 72 trees including white pine, Norway spruce and silky dogwood.  As these trees grow in the nursery they will help to clean the air, slow wind speeds and beautify the area. When they are big enough these trees will be planted throughout our neighborhood and new trees will replace them in the nursery.

Jeremy's Journey – Gateway to Millennium Park and Fishing Pier

In the fall of 2005, Jeremy Sullivan, a Waterfront South resident, raised $30,000 to support environmental restoration in the neighborhood by cycling across the country.  The Heart of Camden was able to use these funds to construct a landscaped berm to provide an entrance to Millennium Park and Fishing Pier the only public space providing access to the Delaware River in South Camden for fishing, enjoying the river and views of the Philadelphia skyline.  Not only does this space aesthetically improve the Waterfront South neighborhood by blocking residential views of industry, but its evergreen trees serves to mitigate air pollution by filtering particulate matter from the air and breaking the wind carrying those particles.

On the one year anniversary of Jeremy's ride in November, 2006, 57 volunteers helped make this project a reality by donating 171 hours of their time worth $3,084.84 to plant 140 trees and shrubs that are predominately native to the Inner Coastal region of New Jersey.

Community Tree Planting

Since 2003 the Heart of Camden and residents of Waterfront South have been planting trees throughout the neighborhood with the help of the New Jersey Tree Foundation and its Urban Airshed Reforestation Program.  Nearly 300 trees have been planted along the streets and in open spaces.