Eric Sucar

Free tree seedlings will be spread to Aberdeen residents

 The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign, in an effort to replace trees damaged or destroyed by superstorm Sandy, will distribute free tree seedlings to Aberdeen Township residents on April 8 from 9 a.m. to  12 p.m. at Aberdeen Town Hall.

The seedlings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with an additional distribution scheduled for April 15 if any seedlings are left over.

The seedlings will come with instructions on how to store, care for and plant them, including information on how to choose the right place on your property to plant a tree. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pickup to prevent the roots from drying out.

According to the Tree Recovery Campaign, its goal is to distribute over 500,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the course of the next five years.  The program is a joint effort between Aberdeen Township, the New Jersey State Forest Service, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, and FedEx.

According to the Tree Recovery Campaign, when properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to a community. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

For a full list of distribution locations across the state, visit www.forestry.nj.govor www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests.

For more information, please contact the Aberdeen Township Environmental Board at [email protected]