NJDEP | Urban & Community Forestry Home | New Jersey Forest Service

Urban & Community Forestry

The New Jersey Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) is where biotic and abiotic resources connect to increase the function of our urban, human-occupied ecosystems.

Authorized by the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act (N.J.S.A. 13: 1L-17.1 et. seq.), this unique program works to encourage, promote, and support the local stewardship and effective management of trees and forest ecosystems in New Jersey’s communities through technical assistance and financial assistance.

The program continues to seek cutting edge opportunities and innovative initiatives to assist local governments statewide in their efforts to establish and grow local, self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs. The program is continually forging new and exciting partnerships in order to strengthen local programs and their ability to manage and conserve trees and forests for the benefits they provide now and for future generations.

The NJ Urban & Community Forestry (NJUCF) Achievement Awards (previously known as the Green Communities Achievement Awards) recognize those nominees whose outstanding efforts have greatly contributed to the field of urban and community forestry in New Jersey. Exemplary work, whether public or private is eligible for the award program.
These awards recognize up to 4 recipients per year in the following categories:

Individual
Municipality
Business/Tree Care Industry
Non-profit/Non-governmental organization

The criteria for nomination are:

Improving the environment in New Jersey’s communities through wise management of the trees and forest resources, and the development of a self-sustaining local urban and community forestry program. - Raising awareness of the value of urban and community trees and forests in New Jersey through education and outreach.
Enhancing the beauty of New Jersey’s cities and towns with programs and projects for trees and forests.

Providing exceptional effort and meritorious contributions to the field of urban and community forestry in New Jersey.

Please submit a brief nomination narrative providing justification for the nomination based on the categories and criteria described above. The nomination must state the Name, Title, Organization, Email, and Telephone Number of both the nominator and the nominee. Nomination narratives should not exceed two (2) pages in length.

Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

Winners will be asked to present and share their work during a session at the 2022 NJ Shade Tree Federation Conference in October.
Nominations for the 2022 NJ Urban & Community Forestry Achievement Awards are due by 5:00pm, Friday, July 15, 2022.
Nominations must be emailed to Michael Martini, NJ Urban and Community Forestry Program, Michael.martini@dep.nj.gov. The subject of the email must state 2022 Urban & Community Forestry Achievement Award Nomination. Questions may be directed to Mike at the email provided.