The NJ Tree Foundation, the Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees), TD Bank, and the City of Camden have hosted three exciting TD Tree Days to date, beautifying inner city communities and improving the quality of life for residents, one tree at a time. Part of National NeighborWoods Month, these plantings occurred in October. Check it out!
Tree-Lined Paths at Stockton and Dudley Grange Parks
In October of 2014, 101 new trees were planted in two beautiful adjacent parks located in East Camden – Stockton and Dudley Grange Parks. The recreational bike and pedestrian path that connects the two green spaces, along with the open areas surrounding Stockton’s baseball fields, skate park, and picnic areas, received gorgeous deciduous trees during this planting event. Over 80 TD Bank volunteers knocked out the planting of over 100 trees in just three hours – digging holes, planting, and mulching — and they were joined by 3rd graders from Catto Family School. “Children and families heavily use this park, and it’s important for us to remember today that we are planting trees that will have a lasting impact for decades to come,” explained Jessica Franzini, Director of Urban Forestry Initiatives for the NJ Tree Foundation during the opening ceremony.
Shade for Reverend Evers Park
In October of 2014, on a perfect fall morning, 50 TD Bank volunteers joined forces to plant 40 large trees in Reverend Evers Park, located in the Morgan Village neighborhood of Camden. “The planting and beautification of this park compliments our Safe Route to School plan,” explained Esther Gross of Morgan Village Circle Community Development Corporation, as she pointed across the street to the Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy High School. “These 40 trees will make such a difference in Reverend Evers Park. I’m so glad we can be here today making this happen,” added Vince Benedetto, site leader for TD Bank. We are too, Vince! This event was incredible, and we look forward to watching these trees grow and prosper in the years to come.
Shelterbelt in Liney Ditch Park
In October of 2013, Camden City hosted its largest tree planting to-date, adding 117 new trees to the 5-acre Liney Ditch Park in the Waterfront South community with help from nearly 100 TD Bank volunteers. With technical assistance from the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) – a “friend of the park” – the NJ Tree Foundation used these trees to create a shelterbelt of native evergreen and deciduous species on a berm located within Liney Ditch Park.
Shelterbelts are vegetation systems that use trees arranged in rows to redirect winds and reduce wind speeds, thereby modifying environmental conditions within the upwind and downwind sheltered zones. Trees are highly effective at physically intercepting dusts, gases and microbial particles that are carried in the air. Shelterbelts have the ability to reduce odor concentrations significantly, which will make a huge difference in the Waterfront South community of Camden. Home to the county’s wastewater treatment plant, a large car-crushing plant, a licorice flavoring company, and more, this neighborhood experiences significant odors that often negatively impact the quality of life. The trees are located between the industrial properties and the park/surrounding community to provide maximum benefit.
