Arbor Day Free Trees for Schools (Deadline Extended)

Westfield NJ

30 March, 2021

1:59 PM

Description

It's not too late for schools in Union County to get a free tree for their Arbor Day celebrations. The Union County Board of Commissioners is once again providing free trees to schools for Arbor Day, and the deadline for submitting requests has been extended to April 10. Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding. This year's free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. To reserve a tree for your school, please see the mailing that was sent to your school's principal or you may contact Madeline Brigantino, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at [email protected] or 908-789-3653. The deadline for free tree requests has been extended to April 10, 2021. Schools may also contact James Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or [email protected] for more information. For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held virtually in early April. Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 30. For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health. For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email [email protected] or use the online Contact Form.