Rutgers Forestry

08/20/2026

Today's Two Minute Tree: London plane tree!
Check out some fun facts about this fun camouflage friend!

08/07/2026

Scholarship Alert!!! Apply today to join us at the NJ Shade Tree Federation Conference this October. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 12th: https://tinyurl.com/shadetree26

07/27/2026

07/24/2026

Today's Two Minute Tree is white oak! ✨
Take a break from scrolling and learn some fun facts about a very special native tree. 🌳

07/06/2026

This weekend’s storm caused a lot of tree damage in New Jersey. If you’ve got damaged trees to clean up, remember to work safely and know when to call a professional. Thank you to Dr. Salisbury for sharing these photos.

Safety first!

➡NEVER work near downed power lines. Downed trees can still conduct electricity. Leave this to professionals.
➡Work with a buddy and keep a first-aid kit handy.
➡Take your time to work within your limits and stay hydrated!
➡Identify potential hazards on your property and mark off area to limit access.
➡Never approach a chain saw operator while they are actively cutting, they likely cannot see or hear.
➡Remember to use personal protective equipment such as eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, and closed toed shoes. Chaps and helmets are also needed for chainsaw work.

Call a professional when:
1. You’re not experienced operating a chainsaw
2. Tree removal work cannot be completed on the ground
3. A tree needs to be felled near structures or populated areas

Learn more about working safely after a storm from our friends at Florida IFAS: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR170 (English) and https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/es/publication/FR229 (Spanish)

Learn more about hiring a tree care professional in New Jersey: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs019/

06/10/2026

Apply for a 2026 NJ Shade Tree Federation (NJSTF) Community Tree Project Award*
Applications Due by August 31st!

The William J. Porter Community Tree Project Award is intended to provide up-front funding for a small project to benefit the tree resource in your community. Award details as follows:
• Up to $2,500.00 per award depending on availability of funds.
• Project funds provided upfront upon receipt of the award (this is not a reimbursement grant!).
• Project funds can be awarded to a municipality or tree organization working within their municipality (organization must have capability to accept fund – no checks to individuals).
• Awardee must be a current member of the NJ Shade Tree Federation
• Five year moratorium for past award recipients.
• Application Submissions may be emailed to [email protected]

Get more details and the application form here: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/8225c63b-5d2d-499a-acfc-755e1b9f028d/downloads/0e00f9a9-27bc-4cea-9cd8-950ab30aed97/Community%20Tree%20Project%20Award%20Application.pdf?ver=1774545264882

*This funding is not through the NJUCF Program. You can find information on DEP Grant and Loan Programs here: https://dep.nj.gov/grantandloanprograms/

04/24/2026

To continue our celebration, we are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2026 Arbor Day Photo Contest!! The theme was "Tree Patterns"

Winners:
🏆Elementary: Levi Ripberger (1)
🏆High School: Djuna Albert (2)

Adult Category:
🥇1st Place - Barbara Spellmeyer (3)
🥈2nd Place - Jim Beebe (4)
🥉3rd Place - Jade Tollis (5)

To view the uncropped versions of the photos, please visit our website!

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you so much to everyone who entered! The judges had so much fun reviewing all the entries and reading the captions.