Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman and Councilman Vinnie Bellino have announced the the Borough’s annual Earth Day tree planting and seedling program. During the months of April and May, Carteret residents can submit a request for a tree to be planted at their home at no cost to the resident. Additionally, the Borough Parks Department will make tree seedlings available to local residents in quantities of up to 5 per household.
“We are excited to bring back such a successful program for our residents,” said Reiman. “Highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainability in our community is something we encourage year round, but is especially important in lead up to Earth Day.”
These Earth Day programs began in response to a need across the state to replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The tree planting is covered entirely by local grants, while the seedling distribution was made possible due to a partnership with the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to distribute over 500,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the course of the next five years. It is a joint effort between each participating municipality, the New Jersey State Forestry Services, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, and FedEx.
“The strategic partnerships on display today serve as a testament to the importance of environmental preservation,” Reiman continued. “While planting trees and seedlings are an important step, I would encourage each of us to evaluate what we can do in our daily lives to make a difference this Earth Day.”
The seedlings will be available to residents from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 4th at the Carteret Park office. Seedlings, available on a first come, first served basis, also come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant them. The guides help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out. Tree planting requests can be made by calling 732-541-3801 or emailing mayorsoffice@carteret.net.
When properly planted and maintained, trees are vital assets to a community. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
“Carteret lost a number of trees due not only to Superstorm Sandy, but beginning with the Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation we have fought beginning in 2004,” added Bellino, who also serves as the Commissioner of the Parks Department.“Thankfully, through preventative planning and the cooperation of our local residents, we were sparred a more significant hit. Programs like this one are an integral part to our continuing recovery plan.”
