The NJ Tree Foundation has planted trees in New Jersey since 1998, starting with a free tree seedling giveaway to celebrate Arbor Day.
In 2002, the organization started the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program to plant large trees, ten feet or taller, with residents in the City of Camden.
In 2003 the Tree Foundation designed and planted New Jersey’s Living Memorial – A Grove of Remembrance to commemorate the NJ lives lost on September 11, 2001.
The organization expanded in 2006, creating the Renaissance Trees Program (Newark-based)
The organization expanded further in 2006, launching the Green Streets Program, which hires and trains men under parole supervision to plant and maintain trees and green infrastructure projects.
Launch of the Education Outreach Program.
In 2024, the NJ Tree Foundation launched the Planting Environmental Justice One Tree at a Time Initiative. This initiative will allow the expansion of partnerships with residents of economically and environmentally vulnerable communities.
Today, the NJ Tree Foundation continues its Green Streets Program and community-based planting events in Camden and Newark and works in other cities as funding allows. Other major and ongoing programs/projects include maintaining the Grove of Remembrance at Liberty State Park, planting and maintaining Memorial Trees, and public education about urban forestry.
Through our ‘Planting Environmental Justice One Tree at a Time’ program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, we are offering scholarships to the New Jersey Shade Tree Federation Conference in October, and the Garden State Tree Conference in February. These conferences offer an opportunity for attendees to expand their tree knowledge and meet other industry professionals. No prior experience working in urban and community forestry is required.
Interested applicants should meet the following requirements:
Scholarships will cover the cost of conference registration (including light breakfast/lunch), travel, and hotel accommodations. Application information will be made available approximately two months prior to each conference, so please check back regularly!
The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking 2-3 Tree Stewards for its Community Tree Planting programs.
The Tree Stewards will assist the NJ Tree Foundation’s Program Directors with tasks related to our Community Tree Planting programs in each of our core cities: Camden, Trenton, and Newark. Applicants must reside in one of these cities, and will work in the city in which they live. We are seeking 2-3 Tree Stewards for each city for the Fall Winter 2024-25 season. At the end of the season, there will be the possibility for extension into the Spring 2025 season.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Tree Stewards will be responsible for helping the NJ Tree Foundation to implement new tree planting projects, as well as helping ensure the success of prior projects. Tasks will vary depending on the needs of each program, but may include the following:
As the tasks will take place at various locations throughout each city, applicants must be able to arrange transportation to each site.
Required Skills and Experience
The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking hard working and reliable individuals that enjoy working outside and would like to learn more about urban forestry. The applicant must work well with diverse populations, and have an interest in tree planting