Rutgers University Newark Awarded $100,290 Grant To Plant Trees
Newark, NJ – Rutgers University was awarded a $100,290 Trees for Schools grant to fund the costs associated with the purchase and planting of trees including planning, site preparation, watering, monitoring and related expenses over a three-year period.
The Rutgers Newark Campus strives to create a truly unique space that serves not only as a pleasant environment for the academic community and urban neighbors, but also as a much-needed green oasis within the densely built metropolitan city center of New Jersey. Spanning a relatively small area of 106 acres, the campus features small nature sanctuaries that foster a thriving urban biodiversity, alongside larger formal greenspaces enjoyed by students, staff, and the neighboring community, providing a traditional verdant setting for relaxation. This distinctive combination harmoniously blends (1) the urban ecology of humans with our innate need for green spaces and (2) supports the ecology of urban biodiversity. Notably, this fusion offers an exceptional blend of relaxation and learning, where the space required for campus regeneration between classes also doubles as a venue for academic instruction and research. It serves as an outdoor laboratory where a wide range of topics, including urban sustainable architecture, environmental suitability, biodiversity conservation, and urban climate protection – to name a few – are explored. To strengthen the physical connection between these two crucial functions of our campus, we obtained funds to address significant gaps in the urban tree canopy. Over time, these gaps have emerged between the greenspaces utilized by the campus community, creating a divide from the areas where wild organisms, such as migratory birds, seek shelter and sustenance. Our planting plan focuses on identifying and filling these major gaps, outlining the placement of 49 individual trees throughout the campus.
The Trees for Schools program is a joint effort of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sustainable Jersey and The College of New Jersey. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, the Trees for Schools grant program will plant more than 3,000 trees across the state.
“These grants are an important step to help mitigate the impact of climate change and are an investment in healthier schools and communities,” DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Trees store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases and energy use, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change and strengthening the resilience of our communities. Equally important, the planting of these trees will inspire our young people to become tomorrow’s leaders in the fight against climate change.”
“Congratulations to the schools, colleges and universities that received a Trees for Schools grant. Planting and caring for trees help our students learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “We look forward to working with the grant recipients to expand their campus tree canopy while allowing students this important connection.”
The Trees for Schools grant recipients will now work with the project team to develop their tree project design and will participate in tree-planting workshops. The tree plantings are scheduled for spring 2024. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/TreesforSchools