Sounds like reed/sedge peat/muck to me. There's no reason not to use it. Don't overdo though, as it sounds like it's made of fine, rotted particulates and will likely be very water retentive.

Al

You may also wish to not disturb it and keep a little wetland ecology nearby.

i did a little research, and i think the black stuff in the old mound is leaf mold. there are a lot of trees back there, and the groundhog mound soil has a very consistent texture with no stones at all, just a few roots here and there.

If it's really a wetland, it is probably protected, even if it's on your land, so there could be consequences for taking something out of it.

engk - If it was me, I'd use it. Sounds scrumptious. I have my doubts that it's a protected wetland but you can check if you feel the need.

Lloyd - one of the funniest movies ever! We compare a lot of comedies to it...like...."that wasn't as funny as Vinnie" or "that was almost as good as Vinnie". :-)

Val

For those who are concerned, the area is not an official wetlands - I thought it sounded better than "swamp that my house backs up to". Didn't realize I'd be using a trigger word. :)

The area's bordered by homes, but I would guess it's maybe 2 acres, and the mound in question is 5x9'.

I'll post back in a few weeks - hope this works out for my vegetables!

You might still check with someone. There might be a reason it is not covered with houses.

Many wetlands, which includes swamps, are protected today. Check to be sure because knowing ahead of time will save you from large dollar fines and being required to restore that wetland.

My first thought would be to err on the side of caution and not disturb the wetlands. Home to frogs, turtles and birds.

My second thought is that taking a few buckets of soil isn't going to harm the wetlands either. In fact, Wetlands thrive on disturbance. I would say as long as you aren't planning to get out a bobcat and remove yards and yards of soil, it probably won't do any harm.

My third response is wondering why your husband felt it necessary to destroy the gopher mound? Seems kind of cruel to me. Were they hurting anything?

If I lived next to a wetland, I would plant a buffer of native wetland plants that are beautiful and they attract birds and butterflies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wetlands in NJ

I have a similar area near me and I've often thought wouldn't it be great to go in there and bring some of that wonderful goodness to my gardens and compost pile.
Well, its too far to worry about so I don't get to it.

And if you go to your wetland, take what you like....I wont tell.

People....who are concerned it could be a protected wetland.....how much of such ground would be posslbly removed......
quit the suggestions someone is breaking any law and endangering the environment....she is very fortunate in having what she has.....now let her enjoy her benefit.

My concern is less about the law and more about gardening in harmony with nature.

That is my concern, too.

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.

"And Jeannie, BTW... the law is the law" It also happens to be a Federal law and not just small fine. The law applies to anyone that knowingly or unknowingly disturbs a wetland. I know it probably does not apply to this poster but can prevent you from receiving government funds.

"the law is the law" until some big company decides they want that wetland and asks for an exception and gets it from the politicians- happens all the time. My company did it with a very large tract that runs along a major river- so much for the wetlands. Those whom have power and MONEY can get what they want while the rest of us fret over a bucket of dirt. You're not bringing in the bulldozer so I'd do what you want and just be quiet about it.

I'm not addressing the original poster. I'm just talking out loud. My woods' soil is precious to me. My woods are filled with berries, woodsy plants, beautiful native flowers, and endangered species all thriving in the top six inches of the untouched soil. My marsh is filled with sea lavender and beautiful, undulating expanses of salt hay. I credit these features of the property for the forty varieties of birds I have recorded visiting or living here.

I would suggest that before anyone rob the most precious, possibly only untouched, native soil on their property, they spent a few seasons checking out the amazing things that take place there. Upset frog habitat and mess up a hundred other species. Strip topsoil out of the woods and lose a patch of ladyslippers. Big whoop.

Unmolested land is really not as cheap and valueless as the unobservant think it is. I treasure mine, because I can see that others don't, and pretty soon, I'm going to have the only species rich native property in the whole wide world.

I would bury some rice and oat bran in a panty hose and then caged, in the duff and come back in a week or 10 days to harvest BIM for a wonderful tea. No need to take the duff, just let it breed it's microbes for you.

• Digging to much in swamps\ wetlands will destroy it. They are a necessary part of the eco system and far from the best garden soil. Sure it can hold water. But it does not contain the right environment for organisms being used for planting= it will quickly become poor soil, when the plants have drained its nutrients.

Old thread, but since we're talking about it I'll add my two cents. Just for the benefit of future readers.

I'd be asking the local gov't - city or county - if there are any restrictions on this area. Part of me wants to say they would not have (or should not have) included protected wetlands in the house lots when it was platted. So the area that is not part of residential lots may be protected but your yard is not. BUT protection standards have evolved, and we don't know how old that subdivision was. The first thing I'd do is ask the city/county if they know of any restrictions on it. What you decide to do after that is your own choice, but at least know the rules before you stick a shovel in the ground.