In fact, while I'm not entirely sure, I believe the law in New Jersey prohibits disturbance of both wetlands and what they call the transition or buffer area, which is the area between the wetlands and the...well, the not wetlandds. Would it do any significant harm if one person were to take just a bit of the soil? Obviously it would not. But the point is that if everyone were to do it, it might. If it were me, I would not take it. Wetlands are important, and they are diminishing, they are fragile and endangered ecosystems. In a state as highly developed and with as high a population density as New Jersey, preserving what's left is, IMO, vital. Apparently those who crafted the law thought so, too. And Jeannie, BTW... the law is the law. As I said, I'm not certain, but I do believe the law applies to both large companies that might want to clear entire wetlands to build on and individulas who might want to take just a little. So if I'm correct in my interpretation, she would be breaking the law, regardless of whether it's an official wetlands or not.

First ... kudos for thinking ahead on this potential problem. You say that the asphalt area is old, which MAY mean that its most volatile time is PAST. And IF that is true, it means that the wetland/woodland has thrived in spite of the years-long runoff. Will this parking area be repaved in the near future? Are there local/state enviro-regs that will prohibit use of toxic materials to repave? Beyond these questions, if a berm to chanel rain water away from the wetlands is possible, that seems like ONE among MANY things that might prove effective. Also, you comment that this area is a part of your gardening area. That suggests that a certain amount of the water run off is within your control, which may be another thread subject on how to maximize water retention in your garden soils. Well, there are certainly layers of problems and solutions in your question. That wetlands is fortunate to have alert "friends".

Elderberry could be a problem. It will happily grow everywhere and become as big as you allow it to be - and it will grow fast! I recommend against it. Don't see that blue berries should be a problem - at least not if you keep them pruned. /Hans Olav

We just got done re-doing a small boulevard garden into a larger rain garden, which is meant to collect the rainwater coming off of our hill. We are on a corner so this is just the beggining. John dug the plants we had there out, kept some and gave away others. We had lots of ribbon grass to give away. He dug the garden lower than the sidewalk and added a berm using the extra soil firmed down. It has been keeping the water from running off for the last week. We are moving in natives from our garden and will trade for and buy more. It is a simple form of a rain garden. .