5 photos that make you believe Newark can be a greener city

Volunteers have started planting trees, in celebration of the city's 350th birthday.

NEWARK -- By the end of next year, the state's largest city will be 350 trees greener, thanks to a planting initiative meant to celebrate Newark's 350th birthday.

A group of volunteers from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey kicked off the massive planting effort Saturday, placing three dozen 12-footers in Jesse Allen Park. The rest of the trees will be planted by other volunteers across the city as part of an effort organized by the Newark Celebration 350 Committee and the New Jersey Tree Foundation.

These photos of the about 75 volunteers at the planting might just make you believe in the future of a greener Newark.

1. The volunteers consider the city "home."

Horizon volunteers plant a tree in Newark. (Courtesy NC 350)
 

"Newark has been Horizon's home for 84 years and our employees not only work here but many live here and all share a commitment to making the city's parks and neighborhoods more beautiful," said William J. Caster, vice president of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs.

2. The planting is meant to leave a green legacy.

Volunteers at Jesse Allen Park. (Courtesy NC 350)
 

The groups are calling this effort - one of hundreds of events the committee has organized to celebrate the landmark anniversary this year - a "legacy" gift, which will have a lasting impact on Newark.

Before the planting, the city's tree canopy cover stands at about 17 percent, significantly shy of the recommendation from conservationist group American Forest, which says urban areas should be covered by 30 to 35 percent tree canopy.

3. The trees have a lot of benefits.

(Courtesy NC 350)
 

In the past 10 years, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes urban forestry, has planted 2,555 trees in Newark.

Inner city greenery, the groups said, provide some pretty sizable benefits, including:

• Providing fresh oxygen to city dwellers and visitors
• Tempering summer heat and harsh winter winds
• Absorbing storm water that can lead to flooding

4. Trees ain't cheap, but donors are footing the bill.

(Courtesy NC 350)

The new planting initiative is being funded by donations, including $25,000 from Horizon, $45,000 from the PSEG Foundation, $5,000 from the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and $10,000 from individual donors.

5. Planting a tree (literally) ties volunteers to the city

(Courtesy NC 350)
 

"We welcome Horizon's generous support for making our neighborhoods greener and more welcoming," said Junius Williams, Chair of Newark Celebration 350.

"I believe that everyone who helps put a new tree in place here will feel that they have a personal stake in Newark's future."