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New Jersey's Living Memorial

The Grove of Remembrance, located in Liberty State Park, is a 10.8-acre tract where over 750 mature trees, one tree for each New Jersey victim of September 11, 2001, are planted. This memorial allows all who visit a peaceful place to reflect while viewing the Manhattan skyline and the area where the Twin Towers once stood.
The NJ Tree Foundation received a $143,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service to create the Grove of Remembrance, and this NJ Living Memorial is listed as an official Federal Living Memorial site. The Grove of Remembrance includes two walkways that run the length of the tract. The “active walkway” is a tree-lined, linear pathway that leads from one end of the memorial to the other.

The “Walk of Remembrance” is a meandering path that allows visitors to take their time getting from one end of the memorial to the other. At the middle point of the tract, both walkways are linked and lead to a circular area that is the focal point of this Living Memorial.

Here at the Memorial Circle, a large plaque with the names of the New Jersey residents who perished is mounted on stone. Donated shrubs and perennials are planted along the split rail fence and in numerous planting beds. The Grove of Remembrance also includes lawn areas where visitors may sit in the sunshine and reflect upon the changed Manhattan skyline.

Memorial Tree Program

Throughout history, people have planted trees to honor deceased or living family and friends, and to commemorate a special occasion. These living, graceful legacies not only honor the departed, they bring joy to those who live, work and play under their branches.

The New Jersey Tree Foundation’s Memorial Tree Program makes it easy to continue this spirit of remembrance and generosity. The cost of planting a Memorial Tree is $600.00. This contribution provides for the purchase, transportation, planting and continued care of a shade tree in Liberty State Park, Jersey City. An acknowledgment card, reflecting your donation in memory of your loved one, along with a photo of the tree and map with directions to the tree, will be sent to the donor or requested third party.
You can request a Memorial Tree here and make an online donation of $600. If you prefer to make a donation by check, please download and complete this form then mail it with your check .

Memorial Tree FAQ

Trees are selected based on their hardiness and the needs of the site selected for planting.

Planting will take place during the spring or fall planting seasons.

If a tree does not survive, the NJ Tree Foundation will replace the tree one time.

The average size at time of planting will be 2″ caliper; height will vary by species.

Unfortunately, plaques are not allowed in Liberty State Park.

Yes, the NJ Tree Foundation will provide the donor with information about the area in Liberty State Park where the tree is planted.

Your family or individual will receive an acknowledgement card reflecting the donation in memory of your loved one, along with a photo of the tree that can be framed and a map with directions to the tree in Liberty State Park. The donor will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of the donation.

Checks should be made out to the New Jersey Tree Foundation with a memo stating Memorial Tree Program.
Please note: Memorial trees become the property of Liberty State Park. The NJ Tree Foundation ensures the care and maintenance of each memorial tree planted in the park.
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Scholarships

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:

  • Be over the age of 21
  • Live in a Census Tract identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening tool.
  • Demonstrate an interest in tree stewardship and a desire to share knowledge gained
    through the conference with their community

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!

For more information, please contact Elena Messina
(emessina@njtreefoundation.org ) in Northern NJ or Crystal Wessel
(cwessel@njtreefoundation) in Central and Southern NJ.
Apply Now

Community Tree Stewards

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:

  • Collecting data on prior tree planting projects (monitoring health of trees and checking for issues, measuring DBH, taking photos, etc.)
  • Canvassing for tree planting projects
  • Staking recently planted trees
  • Pruning and mulching young trees
  • Removing watering bags/stakes/deer guards from older trees
  • Assisting with tree plantings

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

For more information, or to apply, please contact Elena Messina
(emessina@njtreefoundation.org ) in Northern NJ or Crystal Wessel
(cwessel@njtreefoundation) in Central and Southern NJ.