The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation) and partners have announced the launch of “Trees for Trenton”, which will bring 1,000 shade trees to the city of Trenton over the next several years. The initiative kicks off on October 26 at a community tree planting day in Trenton from 9am -1pm at Foundation Academy on 363 W. State Street, Trenton.
The program is made possible through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (“NJDEP”) Natural Climate Solutions Grant program, with funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI proceeds are to be used for natural resource restoration and enhancement projects that sequester carbon stored in natural lands.
NJ Conservation and partners — City of Trenton, Isles, New Jersey Tree Foundation, Outdoor Equity Alliance and The Watershed Institute — will work with community members to build a greener, more equitable city through these tree plantings.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and our community partners on this essential tree initiative in the City of Trenton,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “The Trees for Trenton program represents a significant step toward enhancing a greener, more sustainable environment for our residents today and for generations to come.”
“This incredible partnership is eager to expand our investment in the city of Trenton and make a lasting commitment to a greener, healthier future for residents,” said Jay Watson, Co-Executive Director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “Trees for Trenton is a vital step towards enhancing the lives of our communities and environment and ensuring that future generations can experience the many benefits trees provide.”
A thriving tree canopy is a critical part of a healthy community. Not only do trees lower temperatures by providing shade for pedestrians, homes and businesses, they also filter out pollutants and protect people from more frequent excessive heat, among other benefits.
Through 2050, the trees planted during this project will:
- Sequester almost 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide
- Intercept over 14 million gallons of rainwater – reducing stormwater runoff by 2 million gallons
- Promote tree equity and benefit 14 distinct overburdened Trenton neighborhoods with underserved populations
- Increase shade for residents, reducing the urban heat island effect impacting the city
- Restore the treescapes of historic Cadwalader Park and Mill Hill Park, an area that’s critical to Trenton’s overall downtown revitalization, and aid in the restoration of historic districts including the D&R Canal, Berkeley Square, State House, Mill Hill, and Ewing-Carroll Historic District to their original grandeur.
Newly planted trees take approximately two years to become established. During this time, care is essential to the survival of the trees. Participation by city residents, including their help watering the trees and ensuring they are protected from damage, will be critical to our collective success. “We must all work together to reap the benefits of these green investments for generations to come,” said Watson.
To learn more about opportunities, or to request a tree for your neighborhood, visit treesfortrenton.org
About New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Recognizing that a healthy environment is critical to the well-being and survival of all living things, New Jersey Conservation Foundation is devoted to preserving land and protecting natural resources throughout New Jersey’s rural, suburban, and urban landscapes.
Since 1960, the nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization has preserved more than 140,000 acres of open space, farmland, and parks. The organization manages more than a dozen nature preserves, conducts public outreach and education programs, and advocates for sensible land use and climate policies that will protect the health of New Jersey’s plants, wildlife, and people for generations to come.
