MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — More than 100 professional arborists will converge on Lewis Morris County Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, to donate an estimated $150,000 worth of tree work as part of the 2025 NJAISA Workday, according to the Morris County Park Commission.
The New Jersey Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has organized the annual volunteer workday for two decades, bringing arborists from across the state together to perform essential tree care in a historic county or state park. The daylong effort typically includes tree removals, pruning and other maintenance that would otherwise strain park resources.
Organizers say the event is also a chance for arborists to build connections and camaraderie while using their professional skills to benefit the public. Arborists interested in volunteering can email njarboristsisa@gmail.com or register through a QR code provided by event organizers.
The workday is supported by several partner organizations. The New Jersey Tree Foundation, led by Executive Director Pam Zipse, will oversee tree planting efforts on Dec. 6, installing native and resilient species to offset necessary removals. Volunteers from the Rutgers University Forestry Club will also participate, offering students hands-on experience alongside seasoned professionals. Ongoing support for ecosystem restoration in the park is provided by the Morris County Park Commission and the Morris Park Alliance.
Lewis Morris County Park, located in Morristown, spans more than 2,200 acres and features 25 miles of trails. The land carries deep historic significance: artifacts from the Munsee Lenape people have been found in the soil, and during the Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington’s troops traveled through the area to reach their winter encampment at nearby Jockey Hollow. The Morris County Park Commission acquired the first 350-acre parcel in 1958, naming the park after Lewis Morris, a colonial leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Today, the park is widely used for hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Park officials say the volunteer tree work is critical to ensuring the safety of the thousands of visitors who explore the park each year.
