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New Jersey Conservation Foundation begins tree planting initiative

May 2, 2023

TRENTON, NJThe New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation) in partnership with the City of Trenton and NJ Tree Foundation celebrated Arbor Day by planting 32 trees at Mulberry Street Park in Trenton.

“Trees play a vital role in our communities,” said New Jersey Conservation Foundation Co-Executive Director Jay Watson said. “Today’s event and our partnership with the City and partners like the NJ Tree Foundation are instrumental in greening the city and creating a healthier community for future generations to enjoy.”

The Mulberry Street Park tree plantings were made possible through the generous contributions of the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association Foundation, Black Rock, Inc., NJ Conservation Foundation, and the City of Trenton.

Volunteers planting a tree at Mulberry Street Park in Trenton on Arbor Day 2023.

“Today’s tree planting signifies a step forward in addressing climate change in Trenton,” said New Jersey Tree Foundation Program Director Crystal Wessel. “Community members will not only experience aesthetic benefits but environmental ones like cooling our city streets in the summer heat and absorbing stormwater runoff into the Assunpink Creek.”

“We are grateful for those who came out today to help plant the trees in Mulberry Street Park and are excited to continue our partnership with New Jersey Conservation Foundation and plant more trees in Trenton,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.

The event is part of a larger initiative being led by New Jersey Conservation Foundation to promote tree equity in Trenton neighborhoods and increase shade for residents, while reducing the urban heat island effect impacting the city. In total, 1,000 shade trees will be planted throughout Trenton over the next three years.

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 overburdened Trenton neighborhoods
  • Restore the treescapes of historic Caldwalader Park and Mill Hill Park
  • Aid in the restoration of historic districts including the D&R Canal, Berkley Square, State House, Mill Hill, and Ewing-Carroll Historic District to their original grandeur.

About New Jersey Conservation Foundation

New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserves land and protects nature throughout New Jersey’s rural, suburban, and urban landscapes for the benefit of all. Since 1960, NJCF has preserved more than 125,000 acres of open space, farmland, and parks across the state. The organization manages 17 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 communities for generations to come.

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