To observe Arbor Day, you can get your hands dirty planting trees at Otto’s Farm Park on the corner of Wertsville and Montgomery roads from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. All are welcome to join.
Mackenzie Hall, private lands biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, has been working with the township to improve the wildlife habitat at open space parks.
Township officials have gotten a contract through the federal Department of Agriculture to make improvements “and we’ve been gradually re-introducing shrubs, wild flowers and grass to enhance it visually,” Ms. Hall said.
On Saturday, there will be 250 native trees and shrubs planted, in addition to tree guards and a bat house. The planting is the last step in a three-year habitat makeover.
”Two falls ago was the first phase of clearing. Last fall was the second phase of clearing and grass and wildflower planting, as well as a few trees and shrubs, and this will be the final phase of that,” Ms. Hall said.
The rain date is Sunday, May 1. Volunteers should RSVP to Ms. Hall to [email protected]. Remember to bring your own work gloves and shovels. CWF’s website can be found at http://www.conservewildlifenj.org.

