Newark Receives 1,500 Baby Trees

Newark is getting greener – literally – thanks to the donation last weekend of 1,500 baby Redbud, Willow Oak and Buttonbush trees from the Township of Sparta and New Jersey Tree Foundation.

About half of the total trees were planted in pots by volunteers in preparation for the launch of a new "tree farm," to be built on vacant, city-owned land and run by the Greater Newark Conservancy with support from the Lower Passaic Cooperating Parties Group. The other half – a total of 718 – have been privately adopted by residents, schools and houses of worship throughout Newark.

"This event shows how residents, nonprofits and city government can come together to make real improvements to quality of life in our neighborhoods," said Mayor Cory Booker in a statement. "Collectively, we are increasing our tree count by 1,500 in one day."

Over the past six years, 1,500 adult trees spanning more than 30 different species have been planted throughout Newark by way of the Newark Renaissance Trees Program. Those trees absorb 136,834 lbs. of carbon dioxide and take in 975,240 gallons of storm water annually. Roughly 14,450 sq. ft. of concrete has been removed in order to plant the trees, reducing storm-water runoff and localized flooding.

"Newark has one of the lowest tree coverage ratios in the country, and this weekend's successful event is helping to reverse that trend," said Sustainability Officer Stephanie Greenwood, noting advantages the new saplings will provide, like filtering air pollution and providing shade.

New Jersey Tree Foundation partnered with 75 volunteer groups to plant 12,675 trees across the state for Arbor Day, including at

– Staff reports