Toms River Distributing Free Tree Seedlings To Residents

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River residents can pick up free tree seedlings on April 24 to plant in their yards thanks to the state Forest Service's Tree Recovery Campaign.

The seedlings will be distributed first-come, first-served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until they run out) at Riverwood Park, off Whitesville Road, and at the Third Avenue parking lot in Ortley Beach.

The seedlings 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.

Because of the state's COVID-19 recommendations, people will be asked to stay in their cars. 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 Tree Recovery Campaign aimed to distribute more than 600,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents over seven years, a goal that was met in 2019. The program is continuing, however, because damaged caused by Supertorm Sandy and by several new invasive insects, the need to replace trees continues.

The program, now in its seventh year, 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.

Toms River residents with questions about the tree distribution should contact Stephanie Baumgartner at 732-341-1000, ext. 8224, or email sbaumgartner@tomsrivertownship.com.

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