Archive for December 2025

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation The Christmas tree is an age-old tradition going back to the Pagans, and for many generations people around the world have been decorating their homes with winter greenery to celebrate the holiday season. For many families, Christmas trees and wreaths foster a sense of continuity and a green…

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation For thousands of years, an estimated four billion native American chestnut trees provided bounty for Indigenous Peoples, wildlife, and entire forest ecosystems in New Jersey. Each fall, nuts and leaves from the trees would blanket forest floors with nutrients. Rich in calories, vitamin C, and antioxidants,…

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation Nothing says “fresh start” like a good walk outside. While the rest of the world is negotiating with their alarm clocks, hundreds of New Jersey hikers will venture into parks and preserves this New Year’s Day to join in “First Day Hikes” around the state. It’s…

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation Across towns and cities, the trees that define our neighborhoods, cool our homes, and help tie our landscapes together are disappearing one construction project and “routine” removal at a time. We need trees, yet every day they’re senselessly removed because they crack sidewalks or stand in…