The NJ Tree Foundation works with urban youth each year to inspire the next generation of environmentalists by planting trees! We started planting fruit trees in the City of Camden in 2012. Fruit trees bring fresh, local food to families across Camden and now produce over 100 pounds of fruit annually! The youth of Camden love them.
At the Ferry Avenue orchard, teenage farmers eat pears and plums directly from the trees
as they ripen. “[Our teens] were able to taste different kinds of fruit. Pears were a first time for many of our students,” explains Dean of the Center for Environmental Transformation, who owns and maintains the Ferry Avenue Orchard.
At the Cooper Sprouts Garden, grandparents and grandchildren are coming together to harvest peaches and pears. “I never knew I had such a green thumb!” explains Marian Roberts, 14-years old.
The Lakeshore Drive Community Garden’s plums are yielding the highest fruit counts for our program. “If it weren’t for the NJ Tree Foundation, I wouldn’t know how to take care of these trees and grow my own fruit,” explains Joseph Travis, lead gardener.
A contribution to the NJ Tree Foundation can help provide more peaches, plums, pears, and other fruit trees to community gardeners. Thank you to those who have already donated! You can help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 this December by donating today. It will make all the difference.