About STEM
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In 1972 a small group of Moorestown citizens, seeing the need for a community-based organization to address local environment issues, formed Save the Environment of Moorestown (STEM). STEM tackled high-profile concerns of the day, such as water and air pollution, solid waste disposal, and recycling. Anticipating Moorestown's tremendous future growth and increased development, STEM volunteers played a pivotal role in initiating open space planning and promoting protection of the environment, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
Thirty-five-plus years later, STEM continues to serve the community be preserving, protecting, and enhancing its natural environments and by affording volunteers the opportunity to share their enthusiasm and expertise through its many diverse activities. Over the past three decades, STEM has undertaken a wide range of ambitious projects to preserve, protect, and maintain the health of Moorestown's open space and farmland, including development of a Natural Resources Inventory, the preparation of an Open Space Inventory, and the establishment of the Natural Area Care program.
STEM's cooperative efforts with local, county, and state bodies have led directly to the preservation of over 275 acres of land within Moorestown. Such partnering with government committees, land trusts, local watershed associations, and like-minded area groups is central to STEM's philosophy. By reaching out to existing organizations and area volunteers, STEM looks to achieve shared objectives and to educate itself, local landowners, and the community at large about the broader impact of ecological change. Today, STEM responds to environmental challenges with a broad range of activities: community events, conservation projects, education programs, topical research, government advocacy, and cooperative ventures. Locally-based and globally-minded, STEM works to raise awareness about ecological issues and land stewardship, while encouraging residents to enjoy our township's natural resources.
STEM is guided by its Steering Committee which meets regularly to discuss current issues and make decisions about STEM activities for the year, directions on environmental advocacy, financial commitments, and other aspects of a non-profit association. STEM members are encouraged to join these meetings; new ideas and suggestions are always welcome and keep the organization dynamic. |
In the Community
-We host environmental events for the public -We present educational programs -We encourage eco-friendly development and ideas -We promote water quality awareness and stewardship -We offer a range of activities to help save the environment of Moorestown Our Open Spaces
-We have helped preserve more than 15 open space sites to date -We maintain over 275 acres of preserved land in Moorestown -We contributed $50,000 towards the purchase of Esther Yanai Preserve -We promote legislation to protect our natural environment -We rally support for local, county, and state open space funding |