Volunteers Needed For Urban Forestry Projects In Newark, Trenton

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the New Jersey Tree Foundation. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The New Jersey Tree Foundation’s Renaissance Trees Program is gearing up for its spring season in North and Central Jersey.

“We are excited to continue our work expanding the Renaissance Trees Program deeper into Newark and into the North half of the state,” said NJ Tree Foundation executive director Lisa Simms, “All of our projects are resident-initiated and, together, we are increasing the tree canopy and sharing the community and environmental benefits that come from planting trees.”

The NJ Tree Foundation plants trees in New Jersey’s cities in areas need of green spaces. Through tree planting, volunteerism and partnerships, the organization assists communities in improving the environment and their quality of life.

“We’ve lined up projects in the North, South and West Wards of Newark thanks to residents who wanted to see more trees on their block,” said Renaissance Trees Program director Crystal Wessel, “We’ll be working with these residents to plant the trees and make Newark a bit greener. We also have volunteer tree plantings in Dover and Trenton.”

Volunteers are welcome and will learn about tree planting, including best practices for tree survival. Tree planting events are 9 a.m. - noon, rain or shine. Tools and gloves will be provided. The number of volunteers at each event is limited, volunteer groups will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Masks will be required for unvaccinated participants.

This season’s planting schedule will take place in the following neighborhoods:

• April 2nd Forest Hill, Newark 12 trees/25 volunteers
• April 20th Waterworks Park, Dover (Closed event)
• May 14th Vassar Ave., Newark 16 trees/35 volunteers
• May 21st Norwood Street, Newark 10 trees/25 volunteers
• TBD Society Hill, Newark
• TBD Palisades Park
• TBD Cadwalader Park, Trenton

Interested volunteers should contact Crystal Wessel by calling 609-439-1755, emailing cwessel@njtreefoundation or through the online project registration form: RTP Volunteer Sign-up Form.

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