Monday, March 21, 2016

Free Tree Seedlings Available to Atlantic County Residents

Free tree seedlings will be offered to Atlantic County residents beginning Saturday, April 9, while supplies last, at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center in the Atlantic County Park, Route 50, Estell Manor between 8 AM and 4 PM each day.
The seedlings are provided as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign to help communities replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. This the third year of a five year program during which the campaign plans to distribute 500,000 seedlings to residents throughout the state.

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this program that is helping to enhance our communities with the planting of trees,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Trees benefit us in many ways - adding visual beauty, reducing home cooling costs and air pollutants, and providing wildlife habitats."

“Consider celebrating Arbor Day with the planting of new trees on your own property,” he added.

The seedlings will be distributed in bundles of five per household with instructions on storage, care and planting. Recipients are advised to plant the seedlings soon after receiving them to prevent the roots from drying out. Information will also include how to choose a proper planting site with the tree’s mature growth size in mind. All seedlings will be native to the coastal habitat of our area.

If you would like to participate, it is suggested that you call ahead to confirm seedling availability, especially if you are driving from a distance.

This distribution is a collaborative effort of Atlantic County government, the New Jersey State Forestry Services, the State Forest Nursery, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, and the Arbor Day Foundation.

For more information, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at (609) 645-5960.

County News