Thursday, February 28, 2019

Free Tree Seedlings Available to Atlantic County Residents - March 30

Free tree seedlings will be offered to Atlantic County residents on Saturday, March 30, 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.

 

The seedlings are provided as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign to help communities replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The goal is to plant trees today that will create future forests.

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this program in advance of Arbor Day and Earth Day,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Trees benefit us in many ways - adding natural beauty, reducing home cooling costs, and providing wildlife habitats.”

Five hundred 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) 625-1897.

County News