By: Richard L. Smith
Belleville schools now have 144 new trees, courtesy of a $249,639 grant from the New Jersey Trees for Schools program.
According to a statement from Belleville Township officials, this initiative, undertaken by Belleville Public Schools, aims to transform school campuses into greener, healthier environments that serve as both educational resources and natural enhancements.
The trees provide a range of benefits, acting as pollution filters and offering unique settings for outdoor lessons. Students will soon gather around these green additions to learn about ecology, botany, and environmental science.
School officials noted that research has shown proximity to trees and natural greenery can positively impact students' learning and educational outcomes.
“Planting trees around schools not only beautifies the campuses but also creates a learning-friendly environment,” said Gabrielle Bennett Meany, President of the Belleville Board of Education and Senior Natural Resource Specialist for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Meadowlands Commission.
“The presence of trees promotes clean air and helps reduce air pollution, which we hope will contribute to improved concentration and academic success among students,” she added.
The project is a collaborative effort between Belleville and school Green Teams, which plan to conduct community outreach events to highlight the importance of these trees. Demonstrations on proper tree planting and care are scheduled at each school, with future events planned to coincide with Arbor Day, Community Clean-Up Day, and the township fair.
Matthew Paladino, Belleville Board of Education Business Administrator, praised the school district and township’s collaborative effort.
“It’s inspiring to see our community come together for something so impactful,” he said. “This grant brings immediate environmental benefits and supports our students in understanding the essential role trees play in sustaining our environment.”
The Trees for Schools program, funded by the state, has awarded $4.55 million across 23 public school districts, two public charter schools, and nine public colleges and universities in New Jersey.
Grants range from $12,000 to $250,000 and cover the costs of planning, preparation, planting, and maintaining trees over three years.
A primary goal of the program is to combat climate change and its effects by planting over 3,000 trees statewide, particularly in neighborhoods that lack greenery and experience higher temperatures due to excessive pavement.
As Belleville becomes greener, students and community members alike will benefit from the beauty and environmental value these trees bring to their surroundings.