Last May, our Renaissance Trees Program planted fifteen new shade trees at the Quitman Street Community School, New Salem Baptist Church, and along their connecting streets.
When the truck pulled up with the large trees, Reverend White of the New Salem Baptist Church was intimidated. The trees stood taller than him! He was so pleased with the outcome as students, teachers, residents, and the church’s youth group dug holes to transform the area with a variety of beautiful trees.
That day, the students learned the importance of being urban forestry stewards. This meant protecting their trees from harm and feeding their trees 20 gallons of water each week. The students enthusiastically agreed to this new responsibility! Over the weekend it rained heavily. A teacher received a text message from a concerned fifth grader, “Do we need to go put umbrellas over the trees so they don’t drown?” The student was assured that rain was good for the trees, and the trees would be happy when the students returned to school on Monday.
The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking to raise $10,000 by December 31st so we can continue important urban forestry work, including cultivating the next generation of tree stewards! Will you please donate today to help us reach our goal?
