Grove of 13 trees to be planted at Morris County park to mark America’s 250th anniversary
PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, N.J. (Morris County) — A grove of 13 trees representing the original American colonies will be planted at Central Park of Morris County this month to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The New Jersey Arborists Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Morris County Park Commission will hold a public tree planting ceremony from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, which is Constitution Day.
Each tree in the grove will represent one of the original 13 colonies. Organizers said the tree species were selected with local growing conditions in mind because the state trees of some of the original colonies may not be hardy in New Jersey.
Local and state representatives are expected to offer remarks during the ceremony reflecting on the country’s anniversary and the stewardship of natural resources and public green spaces.
A time capsule will also be placed with the trees and is intended to be opened in 2076, when the United States marks its 300th anniversary.
According to organizers, the time capsule will contain a letter describing the nation’s history, the current health of New Jersey forests, the trees selected for the grove, best practices for tree care and a vision for the future of communities and public green spaces.
Organizers said the planting is intended to recognize past stewardship of natural resources while encouraging future generations of leaders to care for parks and other green spaces over the next 250 years.
The trees will be installed before the ceremony, with the final shovelfuls of soil reserved for the program.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions, including durable long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Jennifer Lieberman at JLieberman@morrisparks.net.
