The Burlington County Bridge Commission continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and reducing the County’s carbon footprint with its third annual Tree Planting initiative.
Each year, the Bridge Commission has acquired and distributed 100 trees to be planted on public lands throughout Burlington County. These trees play an essential role in supporting local wildlife, preventing erosion and regulating temperature and moisture.
“Burlington County is proud to be one of New Jersey’s greenest counties and this initiative adds hundreds more trees to our communities, further improving our county’s beauty and environment,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The Bridge Commission and its leadership deserve praise for this forward-thinking initiative to create a clean, sustainable future for Burlington County’s residents, businesses and towns.”
“The Bridge Commission is committed to being a good environmental steward and we’re proud to partner with the Commissioners and local municipalities to create green, sustainable communities for residents, visitors and future generations,” added Burlington County Bridge Commission Chair Sandra Nunes.
During this year’s tree planting initiative, the Bridge Commission partnered with JMA Landscaping/Popes Garden to acquire 100 trees to be planted in nine participating municipalities: Westampton, Florence, Pemberton Township, Springfield, Willingboro, Edgewater Park, Mount Holly, Eastampton and New Hanover.
All 40 municipalities were given the opportunity to participate. This year, nine of the municipalities chose to plant trees and were able to request up to 10 trees from a variety of species, including crape myrtles, dogwoods, heritage birches, red buds, sugar maples, river oaks, river birch and eastern red cedars. Each tree is about 5 feet tall and will be planted in various public spaces, including local parks, right of ways or other public lands.
“Trees are vitally important to our environment and tree planting is considered one of the most effective tools for combating climate change and preserving wildlife habitat,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, who was present with Nunes for Westampton’s tree pickup at the Bridge Commission’s maintenance yard. “This initiative exemplifies smart, innovative government and we want to encourage more municipalities to take advantage of this Bridge Commission program and others that help keep our county green and resilient.”
The Bridge Commission is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol toll bridges over the Delaware River, as well as several smaller bridges in the County. The Commission also acts as the County’s improvement authority, and it also partners with the Burlington County Parks System to jointly manage the Palmyra Cove Nature Center, a 250-acre preserve along the Delaware River.
The Cove is hailed as an “urban oasis” because of its varied habitat and wildlife, and 10 of the trees acquired by the Commission will be planted on its grounds.
In 2021, the Burdge Commission opened a community garden at the park. Residents from across the county help care for and maintain the garden. Residents also harvest some of the fresh vegetables and herbs grown there.
“The Bridge Commission is always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and keep Burlington County attractive and welcoming,” said Nunes. “We believe it is important to be good stewards of the environment, and we are committed to doing our part to protect it.”