Shade Tree Commission Nursery is Growing Up

In the Spring of 2002, the newly appointed Shade Tree Commission, under the leadership of its Chair, Michael Orsini, sought to establish a nursery where seedling trees could be cared for until they were big enough to survive in Township Parks and Streets. The vice-Chair of the Commission, Albert Galdi, was also the owner of the South Middlebush Tree Farm, and volunteered a piece of his land for the Commission to use for this purpose.

Since then, the nursery has obtained trees from many sources-the NJ Shade Tree Foundation, the National Tree Trust, the Franklin Lions Club and the Elm Institute that now total over 500 trees. Best of all, the trees were obtained through grants at no cost to the Township. By growing trees in the nursery, planting them in the Township when they've reached appropriate size, and then replanting in the nursery, the Commission ensures a steady, low-cost supply of trees to beautify and enhance Franklin's parks, streets and open spaces.

The Commission owes a great debt of gratitude to the many people who helped us care for and maintain our trees. As the owner of the farm, Al Galdi erected deer fencing, installed irrigation, donated mulch, fertilizer and countless hours to help the trees stay healthy and growing. For his efforts, Al was recently issued a commendation by the Township Council. Jeff Baumley, owner of Baumley's Nursery and a Commission member, has supplied us with pots, soil, stakes, and has pruned and straightened the growing trees. All members of the Commission,including Berit Marshall, Jean Gierlich, Roberta Fleischman, Sheila Geoghegan, Mark Evans of our Parks Department and Barbara Jaquett have worked to maintain the nursery. Barbara also recruited many of her coworkers to come to the farm and help us as well.

We hope that these trees, and many more to come, will thrive in Franklin for many years to come, providing shade, cleaning the air, and beautifying our parks, streets and open spaces. The following photos demonstrate how quickly and healthily these trees have grown. In less than 18 months, a sizeable number of trees planted in Spring of 2002 are ready to move out to new homes throughout the Township. So if you see a new tree growing in your favorite park, on a street or on Township open space, there's a good chance that it started here.

Above: The Shade Tree Commission Nursery on 8/11/02. The row of Liberty elms (taller row of trees to right) has just been planted and spring plantings at left are starting to grow larger.

Above: The Shade Tree Commission nursery on 10/08/03. Note the expansion of the nursery with bald cypress (center) and green ash (right) clearly visible. The Liberty elms are to the far left of this frame.

Above: The Shade Tree Commission Nursery on 10/08/03. The seedlings in the top photo have grown enough to need pruning and are ready to be planted in the Township. Mike Orsini (l) and Mark Evans (r) are now dwarfed by trees only knee-high 18 months ago.