Morris County Schools Awarded Tree Planting Grants as Part of Statewide Initiative

DEP, Sustainable Jersey, and TCNJ distribute $4.5 million in second-round “Trees for Schools” funding to 40 institutions across New Jersey

MORRIS COUNTY — Three Morris County school districts — Morris School District, Madison Public School District, and Randolph Township Schools — have been awarded a combined total of more than $360,000 through the second round of the Trees for Schools grant program, a statewide initiative aimed at mitigating climate change impacts through expanded tree cover on school campuses.

The program, jointly administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sustainable Jersey, and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), will provide nearly $4.5 million in grants to 40 schools, colleges, and universities across the state. Funded through proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the program focuses on environmental resilience in school communities, particularly those in urban or overburdened areas.

According to the DEP, the selected projects will result in the planting of over 4,500 trees by spring 2026. The initiative targets environmental goals such as reducing the urban heat-island effect, filtering stormwater runoff, enhancing shade coverage, and lowering carbon emissions.

“The planting of trees in urban areas is an incredible tool in our work to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “Expanding tree canopies at school campuses will make it easier for students, staff and residents to find shade on hot days while providing numerous environmental benefits. My DEP colleagues and I are proud to support this work to promote the importance of trees in fighting climate change.”

Morris County Grant Recipients:

• Morris School District – $202,400

• Madison Public School District – $91,200

• Randolph Township Schools – $67,716

These funds will cover planning, site preparation, tree purchases, planting, watering, monitoring, and maintenance over a three-year period. Participating institutions will also take part in project design workshops and educational activities to promote student engagement and environmental stewardship.

Statewide Impact

This second round of funding follows an initial 2023 round that resulted in the planting of nearly 3,000 trees at 33 school campuses statewide. More than half of the current awardees are located in overburdened communities, which often face higher ambient temperatures due to extensive pavement and limited tree cover.

“The Trees for Schools grants make local sustainability real, practical, and achievable,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “Congratulations to the schools, colleges, and universities awarded a grant. They are stepping up, taking advantage of resources, and showing that meaningful climate action isn’t an abstract idea. It’s happening now, in communities across New Jersey."

The Trees for Schools program was launched on Arbor Day in 2023 and is designed to blend sustainability, education, and public health through long-term investments in natural infrastructure.

For more information on the program and a complete list of grant recipients, visit sustainablejerseyschools.com.