Climate Connections New Jersey city expands its urban forest, trains residents to care for the trees
Nov 26, 2025
Justin Dennis, a representative with the Trust for Public Land, shares insights on the We Grow Camden project, aimed at planting 3,000 trees in the city. He highlights the importance of trees in combating urban heat in low-income neighborhoods and discusses community engagement through tree giveaways and volunteer efforts. Dennis emphasizes training locals to care for the new trees, reinforcing their value in promoting community pride and a brighter future for Camden.
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Community Tree-Planting Kickoff
- Volunteers gathered at Elijah Perry Park in Camden to plant trees and launch We Grow Camden.
- Justin Dennis described residents stopping by to thank organizers and receive shade trees for their homes.
Trees Reduce Urban Heat And Pollution
- Many low-income Camden neighborhoods lack trees, making paved areas much hotter than leafy suburbs nearby.
- Trees cool cities by shading surfaces, filtering pollution, and absorbing stormwater.
Train Locals To Maintain New Trees
- Reforest neighborhoods and train local residents to care for trees as they grow to ensure longevity.
- Well-maintained street trees signal a community matters and encourage residents to stay and invest in the future.