In celebration of Arbor Day, New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette and Sustainable Jersey Director Randall Solomon planted two white oak trees with students at the Morris Avenue Early Childhood Learning Center in Long Branch. This event marked the launch of a new grant program aimed at encouraging tree planting at schools across the state. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, the $2.5 million Trees for Schools program will focus on increasing tree cover in overburdened communities.
The Trees for Schools program will offer grants to New Jersey public school districts, county and state colleges, and state universities to support tree planting on their campuses. Competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 will be available to cover costs related to planning, site preparation, trees, planting, watering, monitoring, and other associated expenses over a three-year period. The initiative is a collaboration between the DEP, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), and Sustainable Jersey. Morris Avenue School holds a silver-level certification with Sustainable Jersey for Schools.
“DEP is eager to support communities across New Jersey working to expand green space, reduce extreme heat, and improve stormwater management by investing in the resource that helps meet each of these goals—more trees,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Increasing tree cover means soaking up more stormwater runoff, providing shade that can reduce heat island effects and energy use, and reducing greenhouse gases that fuel climate change by naturally sequestering carbon. As we reflect on the value of our trees this Arbor Day, DEP is making new investments in tree equity to help ensure that all communities better enjoy their beauty and benefits.”
Under Commissioner LaTourette's leadership, the DEP has prioritized developing parks, green spaces, and tree planting in overburdened communities. Studies indicate these areas can be up to 20 degrees hotter in summer compared to wealthier neighborhoods with more green space.
Aligned with the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, 40 percent of the grant funding will be reserved for applicants located in overburdened communities. Preference will be given to schools with high impervious surface coverage (e.g., paved areas) and low tree coverage.
“Planting and caring for trees help our students learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play. The Trees for Schools program will foster positive connections between students and the trees in their community with the goal of cultivating a lifelong respect for trees,” said Randall Solomon.
“On this Arbor Day, we are sharing with our children an appreciation for the importance of trees in keeping our environment healthy,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. “These new trees at Morris Avenue School are great reminders of sustainability lessons our children are learning thanks to DEP's support.”
“Morris Avenue students and staff are excited to help our environment by adding trees to our grounds,” said Matt Johnson, principal of Morris Avenue Early Childhood Learning Center. “Our students have enjoyed learning about the importance of trees. This tree planting event demonstrates preserving the environment for future generations.”
The program is funded through New Jersey’s participation in RGGI—a multi-state market-based program establishing a regional cap on carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power plants—with auction proceeds used for environmental programs.
This grant aligns with priorities set forth in New Jersey’s RGGI Strategic Funding Plan supporting efforts to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions transition to clean energy and improve conditions in disproportionately polluted communities.
New Jersey public schools are encouraged to review grant application materials: https://www.sustainablejerseyschools.com/grants/trees-for-schools/. Applications are due July 13th for spring 2024 plantings.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Arbor Day began in Nebraska when J. Sterling Morton proposed a holiday promoting tree planting for windbreaks soil retention fuel building materials shade among other benefits leading one million trees being planted initially now celebrated nationally every fourth Friday of April recognizing numerous advantages provided by trees.
About The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution recognized as one top comprehensive colleges founded 1855 as NJ State Normal School maintaining seventh highest four-year graduation rate among public colleges universities Sustainability Institute administers Sustainable Jersey.
