About the Cape May Plant Materials Center

Updated 12/04/2007

Description of the PMC Service Area

The area served by the Cape May PMC consists of the coastal regions of the mid-Atlantic Coast from Cape Cod, Massachusetts through North Carolina, plus the upland area of the Piedmont regions of the eastern mountains. The soils, topography, climate, and land use combine to produce a distinct plant resource area.

Active sand dunes exist along the shores. Wind erosion occurs on sandy cultivated fields. Water erosion is a problem on sloping cropland, and shoreline erosion threatens the tidal estuaries. The soils vary from excessively well drained to poorly drained and swampy. The relatively level coastal plain rises from sea level to elevations of more then 600 feet in the Piedmont. Level to gently undulating topography characterizes the coastal plain, while in the Piedmont, gentle slopes and steep ridges are predominant.

The climate is tempered by the Atlantic Ocean. There are wide fluctuations in annual precipitation, and to a lesser extent, in temperature. Drought years do occur, and hurricanes are common.

Agriculture is predominantly cash row crops, orchards, truck crops, specialty crops and poultry. There are large areas in hardwood and pine forests. Extensive areas of tidal marsh are vital to the seafood and wildlife resources. Outdoor recreation is a major industry placing extreme pressure on natural resources.

Getting to the Cape May Plant Materials Center

The Cape May PMC is located in southern New Jersey north of the town of Cape May Courthouse and 5 miles west of Avalon. The PMC is located on Rte. 9. Please contact the PMC for exact directions.

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