Get five free tree seedlings March 28 at Estell Manor Park.

ESTELL MANOR – Free tree seedlings will be offered to Atlantic County residents while supplies last 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center in the Atlantic County Park, Route 50.

The seedlings are provided as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign to help communities replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The goal is to plant trees today that will create future forests.

One thousand seedlings will be distributed in bundles of five per household with instructions on storage, care and planting. Recipients are advised to plant the seedlings soon after receiving them to prevent the roots from drying out. Information will also include how to choose a proper planting site with the tree’s mature growth size in mind. All seedlings will be native to the county’s coastal habitat.

“The response to this program over the past several years has been tremendous, which is why we have decided to double the amount of seedlings available this year,” Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said. ” I hope all those who are .nterested take advantage of this opportunity.”

If you would like to participate, it is suggested that you call ahead to confirm seedling availability, especially if you are driving from a distance.

This distribution is a collaborative effort of Atlantic County government, the New Jersey Forest Service, the Arbor Day Foundation, New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, Verizon, FedEx, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

For more information, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at 609-625-1897.

 


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.