TOMS RIVER – Are you looking to plant some new trees in your yard this spring? Toms River Township has announced that they will be distributing free seedlings to its residents with the help of the State Forest Service’s Tree Recovery Campaign.
Residents can pick up seedlings at Riverwood Park, off Whitesville Road, and at the Third Avenue parking lot in Ortley Beach. The distribution is first-come, first-served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until they run out).
With the seeding, instructions are included on how to store, care for and plant the trees. There will be a guide to help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Keep in mind, Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, people will be asked to stay in their cars when picking up seedlings. Volunteers will bring the sign-in sheet and your chosen trees to you. Volunteers can place your trees in your trunk or passenger side at your comfort level.
The Tree Recovery Campaign’s goal is to distribute more than 600,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over seven years, which was completed in 2019. The program is still continuing today, as the need to replace trees still continues due to damages caused by Superstorm Sandy and by several new invasive insects.
The program is a joint effort between Toms River Township, New Jersey Forest Service, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Arbor Day Foundation, iCIMS, FedEx, State Farm and International Paper.
Any questions about the tree distribution, residents can contact Stephanie Baumgartner at 732-341-1000, ext. 8224, or email sbaumgartner@tomsrivertownship.com.
