The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign will distribute free tree seedlings to residents of the community at Borough Hall in Red Bank on April 21.
Seedlings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the residents of Red Bank, as well as the surrounding communities, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
According to a press release, the goal of The Tree Recovery Campaign is to distribute more than 500,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents. The ongoing campaign signifies a continued effort to help revive the environment after the devastation of superstorm Sandy five years ago.
After the detrimental storm wreaked havoc at the Jersey Shore, it was reported more than 113,000 trees had to be removed from electrical lines in order to restore power to residents. Although there is no official tally, it is predicted more than double that amount of trees were destroyed during the superstorm, according to the New Jersey Tree Foundation.
The Tree Recovery Campaign strives to replace the trees that were lost during Sandy.
Along with each tree seedling, a manual specifying proper care instructions also will be provided, as stated in a press release. This guide will help residents choose the right place on their property to plant the tree, while also noting to keep in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Residents are encouraged to plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to keep the roots from drying out.
“Planting trees is a belief in our future!” said Lisa Simms, executive director of the New Jersey Tree Foundation.
According to the press release, when properly planted and maintained, trees can be valuable assets to a community. Trees improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, they increase property values, reduce home cooling costs and remove air pollutants, among other benefits.
Trees also help aid oxygen production, intercept airborne particulates and reduce smog, which in turn helps enhance a community’s respiratory health. Essentially, planting trees is an investment in our quality of life, according to Canopy, a tree maintenance organization.
The Tree Recovery Campaign is a joint effort between Red Bank, New Jersey Forest Service, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Arbor Day Foundation, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Canon and FedEx, according to the press release.
For more information, email rbnjstc@gmail.com.
