NJTF in the News

Jessica Franzini Wins Campbell’s Hometown Hero Award

Beth Kwart NJTF in the News, Success Stories

Today, at the Campbell Soup Annual Networking Breakfast, NJ Tree Foundation employee Jessica Franzini received the Campbell’s Hometown Hero Award for her years of service in Camden. Jessica coordinates our Urban Airshed Reforestation Program (UARP), a community-based tree planting program in the city. She also facilitates Camden TreeKeepers, a series of educational workshops for neighborhood residents. During her acceptance speech, Jessica explained, “Working in Camden has been a blessing. I have truly met the most amazing people here. Thank you to the residents and partners who make our work possible.”

Thank you to Campbell Soup for this incredible recognition! Additionally, we thank the many Campbell Soup employees that volunteered their time, talents and muscle to plant trees in 2011. You’re all amazing!


Pictured above: Dave Stangis, President of the Campbell Soup Foundation (left); Jessica Franzini (center); and Amanda Bauman, Community Service Manager for Campbell Soup (right)

NJTF makes cover of Catholic Star Herald

Beth Kwart NJTF in the News, Success Stories

Over 50 volunteers joined the NJ Tree Foundation and Heart of Camden on Saturday, November 12th to plant 18 large trees through the Urban Airshed Reforestation Program. These trees were registered through the “I am the Hummingbird” campaign in memory of Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.  See tree planting photos here!

Above: Msgr. Michael Doyle (far left) says a prayer for our newly planted trees. Also pictured: Councilwoman Dana Burley (second from left), Mayor Dana Redd (third from left) and Jessica Franzini of NJTF (far right).

Lisa Simms Receives Green Community Achievement Award

Beth Kwart Just for Fun, NJTF in the News, Success Stories

As director of the NJ Tree Foundation (NJTF), Lisa Simms has been a driving force for planting trees and changing lives in NJ’s most under-served communities. Under Lisa’s leadership, the NJTF has been responsible for the planting over 153,000 trees since its creation and developing programs that educate, motivate and bring people together under a common banner – tree planting and improving the environment.

On October 22nd, Lisa was presented with the Green Community Achievement Award.

“It’s because of Lisa’s exceptional leadership that we are able to make a difference in cities like Newark and Camden,” says NJTF Project Coordinator Shannon Schaaf.  Camden resident Sheila Roberts recalls her first experience with Lisa in 2000, “After I met Lisa, I started to see that trees could bring our communities back to life. It was amazing.” Lisa has engaged and inspired thousands through her annual Celebrate Arbor Day program, created a 11-acre Grove of Remembrance for NJ victims of 9/11 at Liberty State Park, and developed the Green Streets program to plant trees and provide jobs to individuals in transition. Lisa continues to create, seek and recognize opportunities that allow the Foundation to further its mission. Her dedication to urban and community-driven forestry are an inspiration to all who work with her.

Congratulations, Lisa!