Lumberton Shade Tree Advisory Board

05/01/2026

Today’s Arbor Day celebration in Lumberton was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when community, education, and environmental stewardship come together. 🌳

A huge thank you to Mayor Terrance Benson, Committeewoman Gina LaPlaca, Chairman of the Shade Tree Board Ken Taaffe, members Christine Enright and Laura O'Connor, from the Township’s Engineering Office, Jacky Long, and Deputy Township Administrator, Bobbie Quinn.

And a very special thanks to Bob Grimes
and our incredible Public Works team for helping make this special day possible.

We were especially proud to celebrate with the amazing 3rd grade students from Bobby's Run School. The students gave a fantastic presentation on the history of Arbor Day, shared beautiful Arbor Day-themed artwork, and brought so much enthusiasm and curiosity to the event. Two students even presented the Mayor with heartfelt letters explaining why they believe their school needs more trees — a powerful reminder that the next generation truly cares about the environment and the future of our community.

As part of the celebration, Chairman Taaffe held his annual student Q&A session, always a favorite part of the day, filled with thoughtful and fun questions for the students. The students also helped plant two Jefferson Elm trees in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson. 🇺🇸🌳🇺🇸

The Township Committee also presented an official Arbor Day proclamation, and each student received their very own tree seedling to take home and plant — helping Arbor Day continue far beyond today’s celebration.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event so meaningful. Watching our young residents learn about the importance of trees and take pride in caring for their environment gives us great hope for the future of Lumberton Township. 🌱

04/24/2026

🌳Happy Arbor Day, Lumberton residents!🌳

Today we celebrate trees and all that they do for us from cleaner air and cooler neighborhoods to beauty and wildlife habitat.

Stay tuned for pictures from our own Arbor Day celebration with the Bobbys Run School third graders later this month!

Plant a tree today and help grow a greener Lumberton for generations to come. 🌱

04/22/2026

🌎Happy Earth Day, Lumberton residents! 🌎

Today is a great reminder of just how important our trees are—not just for their beauty, but for the clean air we breathe, the shade they provide, and the wildlife they support every day.

Whether it’s planting a new tree, caring for the ones in your yard, or simply taking a walk and appreciating Lumberton’s natural spaces, every small action helps keep our community green and thriving.

Let’s continue to grow something beautiful together—today and every day. 🌱

04/21/2026

🌎 Let’s Celebrate Earth Week Together! 🌎

Here's one thing every Lumberton resident can do for Earth Week: plant a tree, care for a tree, or simply appreciate a tree.🌳🌲🌳

Trees aren't just nice to look at they:
✔️Cool our neighborhoods by up to 10 degrees
✔️Increase property values by 7-20%
✔️Reduce stormwater runoff
✔️Provide habitat for birds and wildlife

Wednesday is Earth Day. 🌎
Friday is Arbor Day. 🌳

Make this YOUR week to connect with nature!

04/20/2026

Did you know? Lumberton’s name comes from its early lumber industry, when pine trees from the area were cut and shipped by boat and raft along the Rancocas Creek to Philadelphia and other markets.

The community was once called “Lumbertown,” a reminder of the forests and waterways that shaped our township’s history.🪵🪵🪵

As we celebrate our roots and get closer to Arbor Day, we’re reminded how deeply trees have always been part of Lumberton’s identity.

Lumberton Historical Society President: John Jardine 609-265-8749 - [email protected] Vice President:

04/17/2026

🌳PLANTING A TREE?🌲”Right Tree, Right Place" Matters!

Before you plant, consider:
✔️Is it under or near power lines? Choose a small-maturing species (under 25 feet)
✔️How much sun does the spot get?
✔️How close to your house or sidewalk?
✔️Is the soil wet or dry?

A healthy community forest begins with careful planning. With a little research and a simple layout, you can produce a landscape that will cool your home in summer and tame the winter winds.

04/14/2026

You’ve probably seen these blooming all over town—but did you know the Bradford pear tree has officially been designated as an invasive species in New Jersey?

Learn why this once-popular ornamental tree is now being phased out and what it means for our local environment.

🔗: https://l.nj.com/84mjfc

It’s that time of year again, when Bradford pear trees spread a fishy, chlorine‑like smell across New Jersey neighborhoods.

Under a new law, the Bradford pear tree and 29 other nonnative plants that harm local ecosystems, pose public safety risks and create nuisances will be banned in the state.

04/11/2026

🌳 Book Spotlight: Forest Talk How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch.🌳

This book explores how trees communicate through underground networks of soil fungi. It’s a fascinating reminder that forests are connected, living communities.

This book inspires us to appreciate the many ways trees support one another and our environment. 🌲💚

04/09/2026

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT - What Lumberton Residents Need To Know

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY (SLF): If you see one, squish it! SLF feeds on over 70 plant species and damages trees, crops, and vineyards.

What can you do?
✔️Report sightings to the NJ Dept. of Agriculture
✔️Check trees for egg masses (gray, mud-like patches)
✔️Scrape and destroy egg masses you find

NJ Department of Agriculture Home Page for the Spotted Lanternfly