Mission
The New Jersey Tree Foundation is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, enhancement and development of urban and community forestry activities in New Jersey through education, volunteerism, community outreach, partnerships, and grants. The Tree Foundation is committed to providing exceptional forestry programs, services and opportunities to New Jersey’s cities and towns.
Need
All too often the value of a vibrant and diverse community forest is ignored or overlooked. Recent street tree assessments and other studies have sounded the alarm that the health of our community tree resource is declining. Trees in our cities and towns are only averaging a life span of seven years. It is estimated that in our municipalities, one tree is planted for every four trees removed. Nearly fifty percent of potential tree planting locations in the state’s cities and towns remain vacant. Unfortunately, many local governments are cutting back on their tree planting and maintenance programs, even though the need to support the planting and care of our community forest has never been more pressing.
Goals
The goals of the Tree Foundation are to promote the significance of community forestry activities to a comprehensive range of participants, expand urban, suburban and rural forestry activities, encourage volunteerism and strengthen relationships between the private and public sector of forestry experts through innovative programs and projects. As part of its goal to improve and support community forestry efforts, the Foundation is reaching out to New Jersey’s corporations to establish partnerships between local communities and businesses. Through donated funds, volunteer partnerships, and resources, the Tree Foundation will aid in environmental education, tree planting and outreach projects.
Partnerships
The New Jersey Tree Foundation is part of a unique three party agreement between New Jersey Forest Service and the New Jersey Community Forestry Council. Foundation trustees and Council members, in conjunction with the State Forester, formed this partnership in order to support collaborative efforts to nurture, sustain and provide stewardship for New Jersey community forestry activities. Additionally, the Tree Foundation partners with a wide variety of groups and organizations across the state for tree planting activities and educational events.
