The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has received a $250,000 grant from the Trees for Schools program, an initiative by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Jersey. The funding is part of nearly $4.5 million distributed to 40 public schools, colleges, and universities in New Jersey. The grants will facilitate the planting and maintenance of over 4,500 trees across the state over three years.
Paul Romano, TCNJ’s senior director of sustainability and energy management, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with DEP and Sustainable Jersey. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the DEP and Sustainable Jersey every step of the way, from initial planning to watching these trees grow and thrive,” he said. Romano emphasized that this project would support TCNJ’s sustainability goals while engaging students and faculty.
TCNJ plans to develop two parcels of land for planting approximately 325 trees. These efforts aim to sequester carbon, provide educational opportunities, restore old-growth forest health, and improve water quality along Shabakunk Creek. Romano highlighted that “these newly forested areas will provide an outdoor classroom for TCNJ and neighboring sites like Antheil Elementary School.”
The Trees for Schools initiative addresses urban heat-island effects in overburdened communities by expanding tree canopies at school campuses. NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette noted that “the planting of trees in urban areas is an incredible tool in our work to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey, congratulated grant recipients: “Congratulations to the schools, colleges, and universities awarded a grant.” He praised their role in making local sustainability tangible.
Launched on Arbor Day in 2023, Trees for Schools is funded through New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which supports environmental programs using proceeds from RGGI auctions.
For more information on grant awardees visit the DEP’s website.
