Drew and Madison Supply Free Tree Seedlings

Madison, N.J. – Drew University, in partnership with Madison, is distributing free tree seedlings as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has supplied some 459,500 seedlings statewide. The impetus for the program was 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, which caused extensive damage to New Jersey’s woodlands.

Drew’s distribution will take place May 1 at the Simon Forum and Athletic Center, with two time slots: 2-4 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. It’s first come, first served, with a limit of five seedlings per person.

Each seedling is two to three feet high, including roots. Drew will have 1,000 on hand, along with instructions on how to plant and care for them. Each tree should be planted within a few days, before its roots dry out.

Any leftover seedlings will be handed out May 6 during Madison’s annual Arbor Day celebration at Borough Hall, according to Gene Cracovia of the Madison Shade Tree Management Board, Drew’s partner in the distribution.

The Tree Recovery Campaign is joint effort of local communities, the New Jersey Forest Service, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and FedEx.

Drew is among 11 distribution hubs in Morris County. Others are in Chatham, Morristown, Harding and Parsippany. For the full list, click here.