Princeton Named 2025 Tree City USA By Arbor Day Foundation

PRINCETON, NJ - Princeton was named a 2025 Tree City USA for the 29th consecutive year, acknowledging the community's dedication to effective forest management.

The announcement was made by the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

"We're proud to receive this designation for nearly three decades. In 1976, Tree City USA established the standard for towns and cities across the United States to measure their progress as tree canopy stewards," said Deanna Stockton, Deputy Administrator. "Princeton continues to exceed that standard, fulfilling its commitment to address key environmental challenges through strategic planning."

Princeton maintains its Tree City USA status through several key initiatives - employing a Municipal Arborist and trained tree care professionals, enforcing a robust shade tree ordinance, organizing seasonal tree planting projects, and conducting educational outreach during Arbor Day events and Community Night Out.

The team has also created public resources like the Recommended Tree Species List and Treekeeper's Inventory to help residents participate in maintaining Princeton's urban forest.

In 2024, Princeton completed an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment to evaluate the current state of the canopy and identify future planting opportunities. "The study clearly indicates canopy enhancement should be prioritized," noted Municipal Arborist Taylor Sapudar.

"This is a challenge of vital importance to our community, one that we intend to address as we update our 5-year Community Forestry Management Plan this year. Princeton is truly fortunate to have the support of elected officials and the necessary staff and resources to care for our trees and forests," Sapudar said.

Municipal officials have also prioritized strategic land preservation, including the acquisition of significant open spaces such as the 153-Acre Wood and the recently acquired 90-acre "Lanwin" property.

"Princeton is committed to protecting its forests through proactive open space acquisition and management," said Inga Reich, Municipal Open Space Manager. "These efforts rely on the ongoing stewardship and funding support of partners like the Friends of Princeton Open Space, Friends of Herrontown Woods, and the Ridgeview Conservancy, as well as collaboration with County and State agencies."

Fall 2025 will feature the planting of Princeton's first Microforest, adding more than 1,500 native trees and shrubs to 5,000 square feet of underutilized lawn at Quarry Park.

"The diversity and beauty of Princeton's trees not only enhance the visual appeal of our neighborhoods, but also support public health, help manage stormwater and flooding, provide critical habitat for native wildlife, and play a role in carbon sequestration,” Mayor Mark Freda said.

“Trees are absolutely essential to the longevity and resiliency of our community. We are proud to have received the Tree City USA status for the 29th year in a row."

In celebration of Arbor Day and Princeton's Tree City USA recognition, the Shade Tree Commission will distribute free tree seedlings in Hinds Plaza on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m.

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