A $50,000 Verizon grant helped the New Jersey Tree Foundation bring together volunteers across the state to plant 238 large trees and shrubs to shade and cool schools, parks and neighborhoods in urban communities this spring. 

The project called Green Cities – Cool Schools, also educated residents and students about the importance of urban forestry through hands-on classes and tree tasks. 

 As part of the initiative, the New Jersey Tree Foundation joined with supporting city agencies and volunteers to help create lush green corridors and school grounds around the state.  In Asbury Park, volunteers cheerfully came out to revitalize their Veterans Park by planning nearly 100 trees and shrubs in time for their Memorial Day veterans’ ceremony, while in Edison students planted and mulched 13 large shade trees along their city blocks.  At Demerast School in Hoboken, students came out in the pouring rain to plant and mulch 12 London plane trees to shade and beautify the middle school – as well as get head-to-toe muddy!