Trees Grow in Newark
by Ben Alter

On the brisk and sunny morning of November 14, several dozen people gathered at a street corner in Newark to celebrate trees. The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with the City of Newark and various organizations, held a ribbon cutting event in the South Ward of Newark as part of the Newark Tree Canopy Initiative. 

Lucinda Landon of TNC, who leads the Initiative, noted that trees “help reduce urban heat and urban flooding with stormwater reduction.” Adeshakin Adeniyi, Tree Canopy Coordinator with the South Ward Environmental Alliance, said, "When we plant trees, we’re not just adding greenery—we’re providing shade, improving air quality, strengthening public health, and building climate resilience right where it’s needed most.” Where they’re needed most is Newark, which is one of the most densely-populated cities in the United States and the nation’s second largest “heat island.” The need for trees was apparent to Sonya Ward, president of the LSRPA Foundation, which provided a $2,000 grant to the Initiative. “I drove around the neighborhood and saw how few trees there were in the community.” 

The Initiative also seeks to engage local residents in a workforce development program in urban forestry and stewardship. The success of that goal was apparent to those in attendance. After the ribbon was cut, people were quick to grab shovels and get to work planting trees along the street. “It was a lot of fun to see all the enthusiasm and excitement,” said Ward.

“It is so exciting to see local leaders and whole communities stepping forward to make a difference,” said Jason Grabosky, Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources Department at Rutgers University. Barbara Brummer, State Director of TNC, reminded the attendees that “Nature belongs to everyone, and trees breathe life into our communities.” 

This celebration capped a year of tree plantings throughout the city of Newark. Tree plantings will recommence in Spring 2026. “This tree planting celebrates the collective impact of the Newark Tree Canopy Initiative, now and for years to come,” said Brummer.

Cookies in the shape of trees were served to the attendees. “They were really cute,” said Ward. 

For more information about the Newark Tree Canopy Initiative, click here. To support this and other worthy environmental causes in New Jersey, visit the LSRPA Foundation page.