OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

(09/P7) TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Community Forestry Program, the New Jersey Community Forestry Council and the New Jersey Tree Foundation today celebrated Arbor Day by planting 187 large shade trees, evergreens and a variety of shrubs at four local parks in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County.

“Trees play an important role in making our communities a better place to live,” DEP Acting Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello said. “Planting trees reduces the erosion of our topsoil caused by wind and water, cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink, provides habitat for birds and wildlife and reduces heating and cooling costs by moderating temperature.”

More than 200 volunteers participated in the Arbor Day festivities by planting 187 shade trees, evergreens and a variety of shrubs at four park locations: Christie Hoffman Park, Fairmount Park North, Pascale Park and Oldwicks Field. More than 14 different species of trees were planted including Red Maple, Sugar Maple, River Birch, Hackberry, Flowering Dogwood, Green Ash, Swamp White Oak, Bur Oak, Pin Oak, Northern Red Oak, Scarlet Oak, Arrowwood Viburnum, Northern Bayberry and Colorado Blue Spruce.

The DEP presented Tree City USA awards to communities marking their 30th, 20th and 1st anniversaries and the prestigious Joyce Kilmer Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to New Jersey’s community forests. The DEP also recognized the 13 first place winners of the Arbor Day art contest for students.

The recipients of the Joyce Kilmer Award this year are Miriam “Teddy” and Tom Murphy, who were recognized for their many years of dedication to trees and the environment.

Also attending the Arbor Day ceremony were communities representing the Tree City USA program. Sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, Tree City USA awards recognize cities, counties and military bases that have developed a comprehensive tree management program. In New Jersey, 156 communities have earned Tree City USA status – the largest number in the Northeast.

The New Jersey Forest Service’s Community Forestry Program facilitates the development of state-approved Community Forestry Management Plans in municipalities, counties and military bases across the Garden State. These plans prioritize a five-year schedule of community forestry management activities and work toward liability protection for the community.

Today’s celebration was made possible through the assistance and cooperation of many partners, supporters and volunteers who promote the efforts of the New Jersey Forest Service Community Forestry Program. 

The DEP has been promoting Arbor Day statewide since 1949, when the New Jersey Legislature designated the last Friday in April as the official day to honor trees and the people who take care of them.

Hundreds of pieces of original artwork were entered into this year’s statewide student Arbor Day art contest.  Following are this year’s winners.