DEP's Statewide Distribution of Tree Seedlings Includes 11 Morris County Towns

Published on April 01, 2017

SEEDLINGS DISTRIBUTION STARTS APRIL 22 THROUGH MAY 5

State tree nursery in Jackson, N.J. (JPG, 25KB) State tree nursery in Jackson, N.J.

The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign, a partnership including the New Jersey State Forest Service and the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 112,000 free tree seedlings to state residents in 128 municipal distribution locations statewide, including 11 in Morris County, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin has announced.

Municipalities that registered in February for seedlings will receive up to 2,000 trees each for distribution to residents at designated locations, listed at www.forestry.nj.gov. Included are Denville, Harding, Long Hill, Madison, the Mendhams, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, and Wharton, plus Hopatcong in Sussex County.

IMPORTANT: Residents are eligible to receive up to five free seedlings at any distribution site. Proof of residency in the community where seedlings are distributed is not required.

DEP Commissioner Bob Martin(JPG, 5KB) DEP Commissioner Bob Martin

Trees are an important part of our communities in that they provide habitat for wildlife, offer shelter, beautify their surroundings, limit erosion and contribute to a healthy environment, Commissioner Martin said. Through this campaign, residents can choose from among 34 different tree species provided by the State Forest Nursery in Jackson, including trees native to New Jersey.

This is the fourth year for the effort, which was launched to help communities ravaged by after Superstorm Sandy which destroyed thousands of trees in October 2012 as result of strong winds and record storm surges. Including this year, the program has distributed 459,500 tree seedlings since 2014.

"Morris County was battered by Superstorm Sandy, which extensively damage our woodlands, taking down many great trees in parks and neighborhoods all across our county,'' said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. "Many communities are still recovering from that loss of trees, so we thank the DEP and Arbor Day Foundation for continuing this effort to restore our environment.''

Photos shows large downed tree(JPG, 16KB)

The New Jersey State Forest Service will deliver the seedlings to regional distribution centers for pick-up by those municipalities, which will then distribute them to residents. Each participating community will distribute seedlings on a designated date.

The seedlings, which are about 2-3 feet high when distributed, should be planted promptly to ensure they take root and thrive, State Forester John Sacco said. Residents should be mindful of their planting site's surroundings by avoiding overhead utility lines and proximity to structures in case of storms, and considering the size of the tree when fully grown.

The State Forest Nursery in Jackson grows 500,000 trees annually, helping to protect, preserve and promote native species such as the eastern red cedar, sycamore, and the northern red oak, which is New Jersey's official state tree. The nursery sells the majority of trees in packets of 100 to non-profit organizations and landowners who use the trees to reforest their land. Packet prices start at $30.

To find seedling distribution locations and dates, as well as additional information about trees, visit the State Forest Service Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests or go to www.forestry.nj.gov

Photo shows 2016 Arbor Day ceremony in Parsippany(JPG, 12KB) 2016 Arbor Day ceremony in Parsippany

Seedling Distribution dates, times and locations in Morris County are:

  • Denville: April 25, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Department of Public Works, 140 Morris Avenue
  • Harding: April 22, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Harding Municipal Building 21 Blue Mill Road
  • Long Hill: April 29, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, DPW Yard on Warren Avenue
  • Madison: May 1, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Drew University: Simon Athletic Center
  • Mendham Borough: May 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Department of Public Works, 37 Ironia Road
  • Mendham Township: April 29, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Town Hall Parking Lot, 2 West Main Street
  • Morristown: April 22, morning, Morristown High School, Early Street
  • Parsippany: April 28, 10 a.m., Town Hall Arbor Day event
  • Rockaway Township: April 29, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Park Lake Gazebo
  • Roxbury: May 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Roxbury Recreation, 72 Eyland Avenue
  • Wharton: May 5, 9 a.m.,Marie Duffy Elementary School, 137 East Central Avenue
  • Hopatcong (Sussex County): May 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Municipal Building, Parking Lot

State Foresty Service symbol(PNG, 7KB)The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign is a joint public-private effort between the New Jersey State Forest Service's Community Forestry Program and State Forest Nursery, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ's Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and FedEx.

Arbor Day Foundation's Community Tree Recovery, a national program underwritten by FedEx and foundation members, aims to replace trees in communities affected by natural disasters throughout the United States. The program assisted more than 200 communities in planting or distributing more than 3.8 million trees since its inception in 2012. This year in New Jersey, the foundation expects to distribute and plant up to 85,000 new trees.

To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation, visit: www.arborday.org/newjersey

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