Monday, March 17, 2014
Atlantic County residents can pick up free tree seedlings on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 at the Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor between 8 AM and 4 PM while supplies last.
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 campaign plans to distribute 500,000 seedlings to residents throughout the state over the next five years.
“In April we recognize Arbor Day. What better way to celebrate than with the planting of trees,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson. “When properly planted and maintained, trees help enhance our communities by improving their visual appeal, increasing property values, reducing home cooling costs, reducing air pollutants, providing wildlife habitats, among many other benefits.”
The seedlings will be available at the park’s Warren E. Fox Nature Center and distributed in bundles of five per household with instructions on storage, care and planting. Recipients are advised to plant the seedlings within two days after receiving them to prevent the roots from drying out. Instructions will also include how to choose a proper planting site with the tree’s mature growth size in mind.
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. Financial support is provided by the Arbor Day Foundation, FedEx and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
For more information, please contact Clayton Ingersoll, Park Superintendent, at (609) 645-5960.