"NJTF's trees brought a new life to my neighborhood."
-- Gloria Banks, North Camden resident
"I feel so fortunate that I was able to take part in the plantings and see the difference that such a simple act, such as planting a tree, can have on someone."
-- Virginia Baker, Volunteer
"Planting brings hope to our children, as they learn to value life through trees."
-- Assemblyman Angel Fuentes, 5th District
What's New with the NJ Tree Foundation?
The NJ Tree Foundation is part of a new tristate tree planting initiative called Plant One Million. This new
initiative will plant one million trees in the 13 counties of the
Greater Philadelphia region, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
September 2011: The Nate Berkus Show came to Newark and NJTF donated trees to beautify Homestead Park. Check out the episode on NBC, airing this Friday, September 30th. Thank you to Cerbo's Greenhouses for donating the extra trees.
November 2010:
United Airlines and the Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) sponsored a tree planting in Newark, NJ through the Newark Renaissance Trees Program. Video posted on youtube!
The NJ Tree Foundation and Naturity have partnered to support urban and community forestry in the Garden State!
Naturity’s Plant & Green™ Program helps preserve the environment by planting trees across the state.
For every customer order placed, Naturity will purchase a tree, which will be planted by the New Jersey Tree Foundation. The purchased trees will be used to support greening our local communities and schools. Please visit Naturity's web site to purchase cruelty free, organic personal care products.
The New Jersey Tree Foundation, in partnership with the City of Camden, has been awarded the 2008 Award of Excellence for Community Trees in the small city category by the Home Depot Foundation. Through the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program in Camden, community involvement paired with support from the City have resulted in nearly 3,000 shade trees planted with the assistance of over 5,400 volunteers. The $75,000 in prize money was used to continue planting trees in Camden.
Elise & Lisa pose with the Home Depot Foundation Award at a recent reception held in Camden.
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Mission
The New Jersey Tree Foundation is reforesting NJ’s most urban cities, where the need is greatest.
Through tree planting, volunteerism and partnerships, we assist numerous communities in improving their environment and quality of life.
Community-based tree plantings involving city residents and volunteers work. We do not do the work for the people; we train them to take charge and complete the project themselves. That is empowering for folks who must face some of life’s most difficult circumstances. In the same vein, by employing ex-offenders, the Tree Foundation is providing the first stepping-stone of reintegration into society for men who have been imprisoned for years.
Need
All too often the value of a vibrant and diverse community forest is ignored or overlooked. Recent street tree assessments and other studies have sounded the alarm that the health of our community tree resource is declining. It is estimated that in our municipalities, one tree is planted for every four trees removed. Nearly fifty percent of potential tree planting locations in the state’s cities and towns remain vacant. Unfortunately, many local governments are cutting back on their tree planting and maintenance programs, even though the need to support the planting and care of our community forest has never been more pressing.
Goals
The goals of the Tree Foundation are to promote the significance of community forestry activities to a comprehensive range of participants, expand urban, suburban and rural forestry activities, encourage volunteerism and strengthen relationships between the private and public sector of forestry experts through innovative programs and projects. As part of its goal to improve and support community forestry efforts, the Foundation is reaching out to New Jersey’s corporations to establish partnerships between local communities and businesses. Through donated funds, volunteer partnerships, and resources, the Tree Foundation will aid in environmental education, tree planting and outreach projects.
Partnerships
The New Jersey Tree Foundation is part of a unique three party agreement between New Jersey Forest Service and the New Jersey Community Forestry Council. Foundation trustees and Council members, in conjunction with the State Forester, formed this partnership in order to support collaborative efforts to nurture, sustain and provide stewardship for New Jersey community forestry activities. Additionally, the Tree Foundation partners with a wide variety of groups and organizations across the state for tree planting activities and educational events.
