Free tree seedlings will be available to Toms River residents in the month of April as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.

From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (or until all trees have been distributed) on April 24th, 2021, residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at Riverwood Park and the Third Avenue Parking Lot in Ortley Beach. Seedlings, available on a first come, first served basis, come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant the trees. The guides 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. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out.

Note the event is working hard to keep you safe and follow the State’s COVID-19 recommendations. You will not need to get out of your car. 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. Please follow COVID-19 recommendations when picking up the tree seedlings.

The goal of the Tree Recovery Campaign to distribute over 600,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over the course of seven years was met in 2019. With natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, and the damage caused by several new invasive insects to New Jersey, our state needs more new tree seedlings than ever before. Therefore, the campaign is moving into its 7th year. 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.

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.