A tree(s) grow in Trenton
The Pennington-based Watershed Institute and its partners have begun planting trees in Trenton to improve climate resiliency and promote a better environment as part of a plan to increase the tree canopy, provide habitat, and add shade in the city.
“The Watershed Institute is excited to be working with New Jersey Conservation Foundation and other partners to plant trees in Trenton,” said Jim Waltman, the Watershed’s executive director. “Trees address numerous environmental problems by soaking up floodwaters, capturing carbon dioxide from the air to protect our climate, and cooling our cities in the summer heat.”
“Cadwalader Park is one of Trenton’s most important public open spaces and is loved by many. We are very fortunate to have so many nonprofit partners working with the City to restore the landscape in this incredible historic park,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “This planting of 100 trees is just the beginning of a three-year project that will see a thousand shade trees planted across the city for our residents and visitors,” he said.
“When putting this grant request together, we assembled the very best organizations working in this space to join this project. These organizations are all dedicated to a green and healthy Trenton, and I am so happy that we begin with this initial planting of 100 trees in Trenton’s crown jewel, Cadwalader Park,” said Jay Watson, co-executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
Thanks to NJDEP’s Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program, planting will continue for three years and will add 1,000 trees to the cityscape paid for by a $1.3 million state grant to partners including the City of Trenton, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Isles, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, the Outdoor Equity Alliance, and The Watershed Institute. New trees will be planted in areas of the city with few to no street trees. This first planting will focus on reforesting parts of Cadwalader park. By 2050, the trees are expected to sequester nearly 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide, reduce 2 million gallons of stormwater runoff, and intercept more than 14 million gallons of rainwater.
“We’re proud to partner with this team to bring 100 trees to Cadwalader Park, the long-term benefits of air filtration, stormwater interception, and contributions to the local ecosystem will extend far into the surrounding neighborhoods for decades to come,” said NJ Tree Foundation Executive Director Pam Zipse.
“We know the lack of trees makes Trenton hotter and more polluted. Isles’ Trenton Climate Corps team is proud to join with our partners to plant these 1,000 trees bringing healthy change for our families and climate relief to all of Trenton,” said Sean Jackson, Isles CEO.
City launches lead testing initiative
The City of Trenton’s health department announced an initiative to begin house calls to test children who may have been exposed to lead in their homes or environment at a press conference on May 21.
Currently, more than 600 students are in the process of being tested for lead exposure. To further these efforts, the Health Department will be conducting door-to-door visits to inform parents about the importance of testing and to offer free lead testing for their children. This comes in response to the recent discovery of lead presence at Grant School by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Thunder, charter school expand partnership
The Trenton Thunder baseball time has announced the expansion of its partnership with Foundation Academies, Mercer County’s only K-12 charter school, for the 2024 baseball season.
This partnership, established in 2021, fosters a strong connection between the Thunder organization and more than 1,000 future leaders of Trenton enrolled at FA. The collaboration provides a unique platform for Foundation Academies to:
• Celebrate milestones: Since 2021, Foundation Academies’ graduating class has held their commencement ceremony at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
• Increase community engagement: Throughout the season, Foundation Academies will have a prominent presence at the ballpark, promoting their academic excellence and attracting talented educators and interested families.
• Create lasting memories: The annual FA Family Day in August is a highlight with FA scholars participating in the Thunder’s Field of Dreams program, showcasing on-field performances, and throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
• Support student achievement: Back-to-school nights and a field trip during the season will provide interactive and inspiring learning experiences for FA scholars.
• Career opportunities: FA scholars will have access to a special hiring portal and an interview day on the FA Collegiate campus, fostering career opportunities within the Thunder organization.
“Foundation Academies believes in the power of community, and we are proud to partner with our home team,” said FA CEO Sheria McRae, a Trenton native and resident. “We look forward to having fun together at the ballpark, and creating new opportunities for our scholars to learn and explore.”
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Foundation Academies,” said Trenton Thunder General Manager Jon Bodnar. “This collaboration allows us to celebrate the achievements of Trenton’s future leaders and provide them with unique and exciting experiences.”
Mike Warren, Thunder director of broadcast & media relations, left; Sheria McRae, Foundation Academies CEO; Corin Rushing Francis, FA director of enrichment, and Jon Bodnar, Thunder general manager. ,
