FREE Camden TreeKeepers Workshop this Summer!

For the first time in 3 years, the NJ Tree Foundation will be hosting its annual summer workshop, TreeKeepers, in person! Our Camden workshop will be held on Saturday, June 17th, from 10am-1pm at St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society warehouse, located at 2912 Federal St, Camden NJ 08103. Parking is available along Federal St and behind the building on Carman Street.

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Celebrating 20 years of the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program

Volunteers, Sheila Roberts, NJTF’s Executive Director, and UARP Program Directors past and present pause for a photo during the 20th anniversary planting in Camden. Photo credit: Paul McGlade, Better World Photography

On Saturday, October 15th, the NJ Tree Foundation held a tree planting event in Camden, like it does most Saturdays in October. This time, it wasn’t just an ordinary tree planting. The NJ Tree Foundation wanted to celebrate a huge milestone: the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program in Camden. 

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Virtual Right Tree Right Place seminar!

Public Service Electric & Gas and The New Jersey Tree Foundation are offering 2 FREE seminars on Thursday, September 22 & September 29 via Zoom. Please RSVP by Friday September 19th to Jay.Kaplan@PSEG.com

Topics for 9/22 include:

  • Tree Safety & Storms: The Aftermath
  • Sustainability & Resilience: Storms, Pests, Inventory & Management

Topics for 9/29 include:

  • Utility Line Clearance – Why?
  • Tree selection, proper planting & maintenance

Who should attend? Mayors, Freeholders, DPW Supervisors, Environmental & Shade Tree Commissioners, County Officials and any other interested parties.

Date: September 22

Time: Program starts promptly at 9:30 am and runs until 11:00 am.

Date: September 29

Time: Program starts promptly at 2:00 pm and runs until 3:30 pm.

CEUs will be available which have included in the past: State of NJ, ISA, NJ Dept of Community Affairs, and NJ Board of Tree Experts

Please RSVP by September 19th to Jay.Kaplan@PSEG.com

(The zoom link will be emailed to all those registered)

If you would like send a representative(s), please include their names and contact information (email address).

Summer Recreation and Fun on the Circuit Trails

Looking for a fun, safe way to celebrate summer while exploring your local community? Look no further than the Circuit Trails! The Circuit Trail network is a free, safe, 800-mile system of hiking and biking trails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There are gatherings of trails in Mercer, Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties that provide hours of exercise and beautiful views of the Delaware River. The NJ Tree Foundation focuses its efforts on portions of the Circuit Trail found in Camden City. 

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Grant Writer/Development Coordinator Job Announcement

Part-time grant writer/development coordinator. Position is 24 hours per week, telecommuting, permanent.

Salary range: $36,500-$38,000 with benefits

Position Overview: The New Jersey Tree Foundation is a statewide, 501 c3 nonprofit dedicated to planting trees in New Jersey’s most urban areas, where the need is greatest. The part-time grant writer will be responsible for identifying, cultivating and raising funds from foundations, corporations, state and federal sources along with pursuing individual gifts. The position involves coordination between the Executive Director and Tree Foundation staff to gather information into varied proposal formats in a timely fashion to meet both grant submission and reporting deadlines. Success in this position will be measured by the number of grants submitted and awarded as well as the dollar amount of each grant, and various other measurements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify and research granting institutions to approach throughout the year.
  • Research funding opportunities from federal and state agencies, private corporations, private foundations, corporations, and individuals.
  • Research & implement fundraising campaigns that will benefit the NJ Tree Foundation.
  • Write and submit LOIs, proposals, and funder reports in a timely manner. If you thrive on waiting until the last minute, this position is not for you.
  • Develop communication materials to keep funders engaged.
  • Create and implement one end-of-year and one spring giving campaign.
  • Assist staff in various grant writing and development activities.
  • Track and acknowledge donations from funders and individuals.
  • Create grant highlights for funded grants.
  • Assist with public relations.
  • Assist with updates for NJ Tree Foundation website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram pages as needed
  • Conduct a midpoint and a year-end evaluation, reflection and planning guide for next fiscal year fundraising.
  • Update grants management database. Update records of grant deadlines and submissions.
  • Update and maintain on-line resources ie. Great NonProfits, Guide Star and others as relevant.
  • Strengthen relationships with current funders to ensure continued support. Cultivate positive relationships with funding sources.
  • Prepare materials for funder meetings, board & staff meetings and grant reports.
  • Any & all projects and tasks as assigned by the Executive Director/NJTF Board.

Knowledge and skills:

  • Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive proposals.
  • Strong editing skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to work productively on your own.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Knowledge of fundraising information sources.
  • Experience with proposal writing and institutional donors.
  • Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research.
  • Strong contributor in a team environment.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum two years grant writing experience.
  • Previous experience with non-profit fundraising.
  • Able to work well individually, with a team and able to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Able to monitor and meet income goals.

Salary range: $36,500-$38,000

Pro-rated vacation, sick and holiday PTO, health insurance

Professional development opportunities

If interested, please send resume, cover letter and grant writing sample to: Lisa Simms, Lsimms@njtreefoundation.org.

Posted June 7, 2021. Accepting applications on a rolling basis until position is filled.

Green Infrastructure Combats Climate Change & Flooding in Cities

Green Infrastructure Combats Climate Change & Flooding in Cities

Climate change is causing an increase in flooding, rising sea levels, and new weather patterns. These changes have a massive negative impact on older urban cities. In an urban environment, flooding is particularly an issue, especially if the sewer system is a Combined Sewer Outfall. Combined Sewer Outfalls, or CSOs, are outdated sewer systems that easily become overwhelmed during rain events. During dry conditions, sewage and rainwater make their way to the water treatment plant normally. However, when the system reaches capacity, especially when it rains, the sewer can only carry so much runoff and waste to the water treatment plant. The sewer will then fill up with excess sewage and storm water. This waste is then dumped untreated into the closest water body. CSOs contribute to flooded basements, homes, and streets. Children are often seen playing in contaminated water. This is an environmental justice issue for residents and families living in Camden. 

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