The Cadwalader Park Alliance in partnership with the City of Trenton will be hosting an Arbor Day tree planting event this Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help restore the 100-acre park’s tree canopy. Supported by a grant from the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation, the event is one of several efforts to replace trees in the park and in Trenton more broadly, mostly with larger shade trees but also several native flowering understory trees as well for a total of 35 to 40 trees.
“As in every older urban center, a healthy tree canopy serves to reduce the urban heat island effect, clean pollutants from the air and reduce cases of asthma in children,” said
Randy Baum, CPA treasurer and author of the grant application. He noted that tree canopy loss has been dramatic in recent years due to the Asian long-horned beetle, the ash borer and bacterial leaf scorch, a disease affecting trees’ vascular systems.
At the event, staff will instruct volunteers on proper tree planting methods. A site contractor will pre-dig holes for the trees, and volunteers will assist in installing and mulching the trees and installing tree guards to prevent damage from deer.
A second planting in the park will be underway that day as well with funding provided by the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection for an additional 81 trees to be installed.
Cadwalader Park Alliance members will be on hand to talk about the park’s history and the important role trees play in defining the space, sequestering carbon, reducing urban heat and cleaning the air
Those who wish to volunteer are invited to join the event around 9:30 a.m. at the Ranger Station in front of Ellarslie, with an anticipated finish time of 2 p.m. Tools will be provided, as will coffee, water and a light snack.
Pre-registration is not necessary but is appreciated to help determine the number of tools and gloves needed as well as to gauge the quantity of snacks. Please email Randy Baum at randybaum258@gmail.com.