Free Tree Seedlings to Residents in Morris Township!

Morris Township to Distribute Free Tree Seedlings in Environmental Initiative

April Event Aims to Enhance Local Greenery and Support Recovery Efforts

Morris Township, NJ, is set to host a green initiative offering free tree seedlings to residents on April 13, 2024, as part of the ongoing New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign organized by the New Jersey Forest Service. The event, slated from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Frelinghuysen Middle School on Jane Way, aims to distribute up to five seedlings per household, allowing the community to contribute to local reforestation and recovery efforts.

The seedlings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of early arrival to ensure participation. Residents will receive comprehensive instructions on properly storing, caring for, and planting trees to maximize their growth potential and environmental benefits. The provided guides also assist in selecting the optimal planting locations, considering the trees' future full-grown size to avoid potential landscaping issues.

This event marks the continuation of a successful environmental campaign that initially aimed to distribute over 700,000 tree seedlings across New Jersey within eight years, a goal achieved in 2020. The initiative responds to the urgent need for reforestation following natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the detrimental impact of invasive insect species on the state's tree population.

The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Morris Township Department of Parks & Recreation, NJ Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, NJ Forest Service Nursery, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, and the Arbor Day Foundation. The campaign underscores the myriad benefits of tree planting, including enhancing community aesthetics, increasing property values, reducing cooling costs, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife habitats.

Residents interested in participating in this eco-friendly initiative or seeking more information on additional distribution sites throughout the state are encouraged to visit the NJ Forest Service's website at www.forestry.nj.gov or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests. For direct inquiries, the Morris Township Department of Parks & Recreation can be contacted at 973-326-7371, ready to provide assistance and answer any questions regarding the event.