Citizens campaign to bring trees and flowers back to the Wildwoods

Preserving the Wildwoods members Dennis Pierce, Gail Hayman Cohen and Taylor Henry present the "Beautify With Flowers & Trees" poster to Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron at City Hall on July 30, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Preserving the Wildwoods has launched a new campaign titled "Bring the Woods Back to the Wildwoods." The campaign's goal is to inspire business and home owners to plant trees and flowers for their positive impact on dthe environment and our well being.

The campaign includes posters that will be displayed in local businesses, along with a web page with information about the types of plants appropriate to the Wildwoods' coastal climate. The posters are reprints from Natalie Kieninger, who was involved with Main Street Wildwood in the 1990s.

Preserving the Wildwoods member Gail Hayman Cohen points out that planting trees and flowers can have numerous environmental and health benefits for the community. Studies have shown that trees help with flooding by absorbing precipitation and also can improve a city's air quality.

In addition, there are economic benefits such as helping raise property values and even increasing business revenues by improving perceptions of business districts. 

Most importantly, Preserving the Wildwoods wants to highlight the community pride that comes from planting flowers and trees.

Preserving the Wildwoods chairperson Taylor Henry notes, "When owners plant and maintain trees and flowers on their property, it sends a message to residents and visitors that this is a community where people care."

Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said he was excited about the proposal when it was presented to him on July 30. "I think it's great," he said. I am in favor of this initiative and the year-round community we want to support."

If you are interested in a free "Bring the Woods Back to the Wildwoods" poster to display on your business or home, please contact Preserving the Wildwoods at preservingthewildwoods@gmail.com.

For information on types of plants and trees appropriate for a seashore environment, see www.preservingthewildwoods.com/blog/plants-and-trees.

About Preserving the Wildwoods

Preserving the Wildwoods is a committee of Partners in Preservation, a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting preservation efforts in Cape May County. Preserving the Wildwoods celebrates the Wildwoods' unique history, culture and character and wants to ensure it remains for future generations of locals and visitors. 

In addition to a tight-knit community of year-round locals, the Wildwoods have historically welcomed visitors from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and Preserving the Wildwoods aims to strengthen the fabric that keeps communities together, as people past, present and future.

To learn more about Preserving the Wildwoods, please visit www.preservingthewildwoods.com.