Ocean County College to Plant Trees with $19,460 ‘Trees for Schools’ Grant

TOMS RIVER, NJ— Ocean County College was awarded a $19,460 Trees for Schools grant to cover costs associated with the purchase and planting of trees including planning, site preparation, watering, monitoring, and maintenance over a three-year period.

“We are really excited to receive this grant to plant 28 new trees around campus,” said Jon Ross, director of custodial and landscaping services at Ocean County College. “It’s a great way to make our college greener and more appealing for our students, staff, and visitors. We are proud to keep moving forward with projects that support sustainability and improve our campus environment.”

The Trees for Schools program is a joint effort of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sustainable Jersey, and The College of New Jersey. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, the Trees for Schools grant program will plant more than 4,500 trees at public schools, colleges, and universities across the state. These grants are part of the second round of funding through the program; the first round of grants was awarded in 2023 and resulted in the planting of nearly 3,000 trees at 33 school campuses.

“The planting of trees in urban areas is an incredible tool in our work to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Expanding tree canopies at school campuses will make it easier for students, staff and residents to find shade on hot days while providing numerous environmental benefits. My DEP colleagues and I are proud to support this work to promote the importance of trees in fighting climate change.”

“The Trees for Schools grants make local sustainability real, practical, and achievable,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “Congratulations to the schools, colleges, and universities awarded a grant. They are stepping up, taking advantage of resources, and showing that meaningful climate action isn’t an abstract idea. It’s happening now, in communities across New Jersey. We look forward to working with these schools to expand their tree canopy and provide students with rich educational opportunities and a vital connection to nature.”

The tree planting projects will increase shade coverage to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures due to climate change, beautify school campuses, mitigate and filter stormwater runoff, and reduce the state’s carbon footprint.

The Trees for Schools grant recipients will now work with the project team to develop their tree project design and will participate in tree-planting workshops. The tree plantings are scheduled for spring 2026. For more information, visit Trees for Schools.

About Ocean County College

For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that prepare and empower diverse learners to contribute to and succeed in global societies. OCC invests in and fosters academic, economic, and cultural excellence, and ensures financial strength by generating new revenue streams, engaging in national and international university and corporate partnerships, and cultivating a technologically progressive and entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at ocean.edu.