Most of what was lost during Superstorm Sandy is replaceable, within a few years. Trees, though - they take much more time. The New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign is delivering 2,000 seedlings for Toms River residents, in an effort to restore the township's greenery.

Photo by Justin Louis
Photo by Justin Louis
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Distribution takes place Saturday, April 16, 10 AM until 3 PM, in the Recreation Center on Warren Point Road, and in the Third Avenue parking lot in Ortley Beach. It's first-come, first-served.

State officials haven't specified the types of trees, but say that about half the seedlings will be species that can thrive on the shorefront, and the rest are inland types.

The New Jersey State Forest Service and Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Jersey, the Arbor Day Foundation, Brothers International, BJ's Wholesale Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts and Fed Ex support the program, which aims to distribute 500,000 seedlings in the Garden State within five years.

Residents also receive instructions for storage, care, and planting. Officials recommend setting them in ground within two days, to ensure that the roots remain moist enough to sustain growth.

Township officials say that the return on (free) investment is significant. Trees improve a neighborhood's visual appeal and add to property value while filtering air pollution, creating wildlife habitats and, in the right spot, reducing home cooling expenses.

See what's happening around Toms River at the township web site.

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