45 Volunteers Plant 900 Trees in One Day in Morristown

When 45 volunteers showed up to plant trees at Jacob Ford in Morristown, New Jersey, they accomplished something remarkable. A reforestation project expected to take three days was completed in just one, finishing an hour early.

On a Saturday in October, students from Morristown High School and Montville High School joined forces with town council members, Department of Public Works employees, and Shade Tree Commission members. Together, they planted 900 plugs and 100 plants, prepared holes for 50 additional trees, and installed protective fencing to keep deer from damaging the new growth.

Kristen Ace, chair of the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, praised the turnout at a recent town council meeting. "I especially want to thank the council members for coming because it is hard work," she said, noting how their participation showed the town's commitment to the project.

The volunteer effort transformed more than just the landscape. Students learned alongside elected officials, everyone got dirty and sweaty together, and the shared work created genuine connections across the community.

The Ripple Effect

The Jacob Ford reforestation project represents something bigger than trees. When local leaders roll up their sleeves alongside teenagers and residents, it sends a powerful message about what matters and who's willing to do the work.

Phase two arrives in November when 50 bare-root trees will need immediate planting upon arrival. The commission is already organizing another volunteer day because dormant trees can't wait.

Ace reflected on the extraordinary day with visible pride. "I'm very proud of our town, of our council, of my team members on the Shade Tree Commission," she said.

The success of this first phase proves what communities can accomplish when they show up together, and Morristown's newly forested slope at Jacob Ford stands as living proof of that collective effort.