Good Landscaping – Page 5 – New Jersey Tree Foundation

NJ Tree Foundation & Keep Jersey City Beautiful Receives $10,000 Grant from Lowe’s

Beth Kwart Good Landscaping, NJTF in the News, Urban Tolerant Trees, Volunteers September 9, 2015

Jersey City, NJ (September 9, 2015)– The NJ Tree Foundation and Keep Jersey City Beautiful announced that Lowe’s has awarded a $10,000 grant to help make Jersey City a clean, green and a more beautiful place to live. Tree planting to take place Thursday September 10, 9AM -12 noon in Columbia Park.

The Keep America Beautiful/Lowe’s grant provides funding for the Columbia Park reforestation project, to be completed on September 10, 2015 with the assistance of local Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers. This project will plant perennials, shrubs, and 20 trees that are at least 10 feet tall in Columbia Park. Certified Tree Experts recently evaluated Columbia Park. This project will plant all of the new trees in the park’s Tree Maintenance Plan as recommended by the Certified Tree Experts. The project will also create five microhabitats, with shrubs and perennials surrounding trees to provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

“We are thankful for the support from Keep America Beautiful/Lowe’s to implement this much needed project. Our trees suffered greatly during Hurricane Sandy and other extreme storms. This grant will allow us to plant new trees, shrubs, and perennials to bring more beauty into Columbia Park,” said Mr. Doug Carlucci, Aide to the Mayor. “We are fortunate to work with the NJ Tree Foundation to complete this work as they have over 15 years experience implementing similar projects,” Mr. Carlucci added.

“The NJ Tree Foundation is very excited for the Columbia Park project. Trees are an important resource as they mitigate air pollution and absorb stormwater to reduce flooding,” explained Elena López, Program Director for the NJ Tree Foundation.

The Columbia Park project grant is one of 50 merit-based grants awarded nationally by Lowe’s to community-based affiliates of Keep America Beautiful in support of grassroots service projects ranging from restoring neighborhood parks and planting community gardens to leading disaster restoration initiatives and large-scale cleanups.

“We take great pride in the work we do with Keep America Beautiful to improve the health of our communities,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “We look forward to inspiring more people to join us so that we can continue to make our communities better places to live.”

Keep America Beautiful affiliates and partnering organizations received nearly 245 Lowe’s grants the past three years. Through this partnership, nearly 1 million flowers and bulbs have been planted; more than 225 playgrounds and recreational areas have been built or revitalized; and more than 1,000 community gardens have been planted.

Over the course of the partnership, Keep America Beautiful and Lowe’s have brought together more than 40,000 volunteers and 1,000 Lowe’s Heroes. Together, they’ve contributed 196,000 volunteer hours to improve their respective communities.

Lowe’s also provides support as a national sponsor of Keep America Beautiful’s flagship program, the Great American Cleanup, which takes place in 20,000 communities from coast to coast. This national program engages on average 4 million volunteers and participants who take action to create positive change and lasting impact.

Green Streets Crew revives North Camden trees

Beth Kwart Good Landscaping, NJTF in the News August 10, 2015

August 10, 2015 – Camden, NJ – Trees in North Camden are looking beautiful thanks to the New Jersey Tree Foundation’sGreen Streets Crew. The Crew, comprised of men under parole supervision, GS crew group spent part of July and August weeding, mulching, and pruning trees block-by-block in North Camden. Their work is one component of a Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) grant awarded to Camden Lutheran Housing earlier this year.

“The NJ Tree Foundation has planted about 700 trees in North Camden through our Urban Airshed Reforestation Program, which provides free trees to Camden residents,” explains NJ Tree Foundation Senior Program Director Jessica Franzini. “As part of the sustainability of our Program, residents care for the trees we plant. Sometimes the care the trees need goes beyond resident capability. That is where the Green Streets Crew helped out this summer.”

The Green Streets Crew educated residents on what a properly maintained tree pit and tree should look like through weeding, mulching, and pruning. Green Streets is the contract-based arm of the NJ Tree Foundation. Its purpose is two-fold, first, to give ex-offenders an opportunity to learn a trade they can use after they leave prison, and second, to raise money for the NJ Tree Foundation’s inner-city free tree programs. Men on the Crew are trained in tree planting and maintenance from NJ Tree Foundation staff then given seasonal jobs to help themtransition back into society.

Cities and towns can hire Green Streets to conduct tree planting, tree maintenance, and other green infrastructure work such as creating rain gardens. The North Camden summer work through the NRTC grant extended the season for the Green Streets Crew, whose temporary positions usually end after tree planting contracts are complete in late May or early June.

“It was great to keep the guys on longer this year. We had a really good crew. They are proud of the work they accomplished in Camden. We want to do more projects like this in the future,” said James Cunningham, NJ Tree Foundation Green Streets Crew Supervisor.

Camden Lutheran Housing applied for the NRTC grant to support elements of North Camden’s neighborhood plan. Planting new trees and increasing the neighborhood’s capacity to care for existing trees are both goals of the neighborhood plan. Any NJ DCA NRTC approved neighborhood plan in the state of New Jersey could potentially apply for NRTC funding. If the approved plan includes tree planting or care, the NJ Tree Foundation is available to implement those elements of the plan.

“This was a great partnership,” Ms. Franzini said. “Trees make such a big difference in a city, both environmentally and socially. The work of the Green Streets Crew got residents excited about their trees again and brought pride into the neighborhood. Some of the tree pits were really overgrown and now they look so beautiful!”

This fall, the NJ Tree Foundation will be planting more trees in North Camden as part of Camden Lutheran Housing’s NRTC grant. Volunteers will be needed to help plant the trees. Check back on our Volunteer in Camden page if you would like to be involved!

FREE Right Tree – Right Place Seminar

Lisa Simms Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Hazardous Trees, Pictures, Success Stories, Tree Care, Tree Pests, Urban Tolerant Trees, Volunteers July 16, 2015

The New Jersey Tree Foundation and Public Service Electric & Gas are offering a FREE seminar on Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place, the Right Way in a post-Superstorm Sandy world on Wednesday, September 9. 2015. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 2nd to Lisa Simms njtf1@juno.com

Topics include:

Planting the right tree, in the right place, the right way
The importance of utility mark-outs prior to planting
Emerald Ash Borer – It’s here!
Vegetation management policies to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electric service

Who should attend? Mayors, Freeholders, DPW Supervisors, Environmental & Shade Tree Commissioners, County Officials and any other interested parties. Space is limited. First come first served.

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Time: Registration begins at 8:30 am. Program starts promptly at 9:15 am and runs until 12:30pm.

Place: Moorestown Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 111 West Second Street, Moorestown, NJ

Light refreshments will be served.

This seminar is worth 3 Continuing Education Units for towns with a 5-year Community Forestry Management Plan.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 2nd by emailing Lisa Simms at njtf1@juno.com

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

Right Tree Right Place Seminar

NJ Tree Foundation plants trees along the Camden Greenway

Beth Kwart Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, NJTF in the News May 2, 2015

May 2, 2015 – Camden, NJ – When a large volunteer group informed the NJ Tree Foundation they could no longer assist with a tree planting event along Erie Street in Camden today, Senior Program Director Jessica Franzini put out a call for help. And that is exactly what she received – as more than 50 people came together to plant 40 trees to beautify the Camden Greenway. Within the next week, 100+ shrubs will be added to today’s planting locations.

“I am so grateful for all the volunteers that are here today. TD Bank and Adventure Aquarium both sent large groups,” explained Franzini, “This planting is special because it is part of our Trees for Trails project funded by the William Penn Foundation. Through this project we are planting 75 trees and 200 shrubs/perennials along the Camden Greenway.”

The Camden Greenway is part of the Greater Philadelphia Regional Circuit Trail Network. When complete, the Circuit will have more than 750 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting Philadelphia to Camden and the surrounding region. As it stands about 300 miles of this trail network are completed.

The volunteers had a great time learning about the Camden Greenway while digging holes and planting trees. The new trees will create habitat for wildlife and assist with decreasing stormwater runoff. In preparation for today’s planting, 640 square feet of concrete were removed to make space for the trees. This will allow an estimated 30,000 gallons of stormwater to filter naturally on an annual basis, rather than ending up in Camden’s combined sewer system where it contributes to flooding.

“Today, we are trying to do two things. We want to increase the tree canopy in Camden to improve the city’s water and air quality,” Franzini remarked, “And we also want to connect local residents to the beautiful resource of the Camden Greenway. Put on your sneakers or get on your bike. Come out and enjoy the trees along the trail!”

To learn more about The Circuit and see its completed, under construction, and proposed trails, visit www.connectthecircuit.org/.

Spring Tree Planting

Lisa Simms Benefits of Trees, Fundraising, Good Landscaping, Pictures, Success Stories, Tree Care, Urban Tolerant Trees March 20, 2015

The Tree Foundation’s Green Streets Crew is available to bid on your tree planting contract! Hurry! Our schedule is filling up quickly.

Services for hire include:
– tree planting and maintenance
– young tree pruning, mulching, and stake removal
– street tree watering
– rain garden & firewise garden installations

– landscaping and landscape maintenance
– garden planting and maintenance
– hands-on educational workshops for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

For more information, check out this page.

phone pix 682

Contract Flier

Rain Garden Flier

Maintenance Flier

FREE Right Tree – Right Place Seminar in Somerset County!

Lisa Simms Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Pictures, Success Stories, Tree Care, Tree Pests, Urban Tolerant Trees, Volunteers March 14, 2015

Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 5th by emailing Lisa Simms at njtf1@juno.com

*Planting the right tree, in the right place, the right way

*The importance of utility mark-outs prior to planting

*Emerald Ash Borer – It’s here!

*Vegetation management policies to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electric service

Who should attend? Mayors, Freeholders, DPW Supervisors, Environmental & Shade Tree Commissioners, County Officials and any other interested parties. Space is limited. First come first served.

Date: Friday, May 8, 2015

Time: Registration begins at 9:00am. Program starts promptly at 9:30 am and runs until 11:45 am

Place: Bridgewater Municipal Building, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ.

Light refreshments will be served.

This seminar is worth 2 Continuing Education Units for towns with a 5-year Community Forestry Management Plan.

Please RSVP by Friday, May 1 by emailing Lisa Simms at njtf1@juno.com

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

Right Tree Right Place Seminar in Seacaucus, NJ

NJ Tree Recovery Campaign – NJ Community Forestry Program

Lisa Simms Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Just for Fun, Plant One Million, Tree Care, Urban Tolerant Trees, Volunteers March 3, 2015

NEW JERSEY TREE RECOVERY CAMPAIGN – Coordinated by the NJ Community Forestry Program

Free tree saplings for municipal officials! Superstorm Sandy left our communities with many dead and damaged trees. Through the NJ Tree Recovery Campaign, you can help your community residents replant those missing trees. Sign your town up for the NJ Tree Recovery Campaign and you will receive up to 2,000 seedlings to distribute to residents for free.

The NJ State Community Forestry Program has free tree saplings for municipalities! Click here for all the information and the application.

Green Streets Program Plants 472 Trees!

Lisa Simms Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Pictures, Success Stories, Tree Care, Urban Tolerant Trees December 9, 2014

Our Green Streets Tree Planting Crew was busy this fall! James, Jamario, Shawn and Michael planted 472 street trees and created four rain gardens with Rutgers Water Resources Program staff. They also helped plant 70,000 dune grasses in Lavallette and constructed 2 Firewise gardens!

See our tree plantings in pictures: Neptune, Asbury Park, Jersey City, Red Bank, Parkside Garden, Lavallette, Highland Park, Glen Ridge, Rain Gardens, Metuchen, Firewise Gardens, Asbury Park Tree Giveaway, HoHoKus, Haworth, Springfield, Liberty State Park.

Did you know you can hire our Green Streets Crew to plant trees, create rain gardens, remove stakes and guys from trees, water your street trees? Go here to find out more.

Trees for Trails: The Circuit, Camden

Beth Kwart Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Just for Fun, Pictures, Plant One Million, Success Stories, Tree Care, Uncategorized, Urban Tolerant Trees, Volunteers November 4, 2014

Have you heard of The Circuit, an extraordinary trail network connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey? When complete, it will provide pedestrian and bicycle access from the Appalachian Trail to the Atlantic Ocean! If you live in Camden, chances are that parts of The Circuit touch your community. From North Camden’s Erie Street to Cramer Hill’s Harrison Avenue to the soon-to-be-opened Gateway Park along Admiral Wilson Boulevard, there are pieces of The Circuit throughout Camden, and this network of trails is known locally as the Camden Greenway.

The NJ Tree Foundation is proud to kick off our Trees for Trails project with the support of the William Penn Foundation! This exciting project will plant 75 trees and 300 perennials in Camden along the on-street interim trail network connecting green spaces and existing trails. We’ll also host two exciting trail awareness events (more info coming soon!) and release an Opportunity Analysis of Gateway Park, exploring ways to best manage and enhance the park’s forest.

Want to experience The Circuit yourself?
Visit Connect the Circuit‘s website and plan a trip today!

TD Tree Days Take Root

Beth Kwart Benefits of Trees, Good Landscaping, Pictures, Success Stories, Volunteers October 21, 2014

In October 2014, TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, the Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees), and the NJ Tree Foundation partnered to plant 238 trees throughout three New Jersey communities, made possible by ACTrees TD Tree Days grants.

As a component of TD Forests, the bank’s environmental initiative to expand urban forestry throughout the footprint and enhance community and economic development, TD Bank and ACTrees partnered with various community organizations to host TD TreeDays in communities from Maine to Florida throughout October. The trees planted will provide health, environmental, and recreational benefits, including improved air quality, shade for buildings and can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The NJ Tree Foundation was fortunate to work with TD Bank and ACTrees to provide new trees in Camden, Neptune, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Planted in public locations at parks, playgrounds, and schools, the new trees will be enjoyed by many individuals. The trees were planted by 200 TD Bank employees who volunteered their time to beautify their local communities. Since 2010, TD Tree Day events have planted over 135,000 trees. This year’s plantings were part of ACTrees’ National NeighborWoods® Month – an annual campaign to plant and care for trees during October.

Visit the NJ Tree Foundation Facebook Page to view more photos of the October 2014 TD Tree Day events in Neptune’s West Lake Avenue Neighborhood, Camden’s Stockton Park, Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, and Camden’s Reverend Evers Park.