Commissioner Shinn kicked off this year's Arbor Day theme, "Tomorrow's Future Planted Today", by joining more than 100 volunteers and local officials in planting trees in Feaster and Pittman parks and along four streets leading up to the areas. The tree planting endeavor included flowering dogwoods, red oaks, and sugar maples resulting in the creation of an urban greenway corridor. The two parks surround nearly two acres of urban open space located near an elementary school and neighboring homes.

"Today's volunteer effort pf planting 100 trees in New Brunswick's Feaster and Pittman Parks is helping to transform this urban neighborhood into a model for communities all across the state," said Shinn as he joined volunteers of all ages in creating the urban greenway corridor in New Brunswick. "new Jersey's urban areas greatly benefit from our efforts because they receive increases shade tree cover which also goes a long way in helping to reduce energy costs," he added.

Joining Shinn in the celebration was Senate President Donald T. DiFrancesco who was presented with the prestigious Joyce Kilmer award by Shinn and New Jersey Community Forestry Council Chairman David Shaw and member Roni Olizi. The award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated strong commitment to New Jersey's community forestry program.

Shinn praised DiFrancesco who provided $900,000 in state funds for tree planting throughout New Jersey's municipalities. Thousands of trees in the future will be planted as a result of this funding including the 100 trees that were planted at today's celebration, Shinn said.

"Everytime we plant a tree in this state, as we did today, we do more than enrich the environmental aesthetic and economic climate of our towns and cities. We also help to buid and strengthen a natural infrastructure that will benefit and be enjoyed by future generations. With continued investment in tree planting efforts, we will be able to see the contribution and value of trees each and every day of the year." said DiFrancesco.

During an 11:00 a.m. ceremony Shinn, presented awards to three new Tree City USA communities and recognized 14 recipients of the Tree City USA Growth Awards, for existing Tree Cities that continue to foster environmental improvement and encourage higher levels of tree care. Both awards are sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and are administered through the DEP's Community Forestry Program.

Additionally, Shinn recognized the student winners of the annual Arbor Day student art contests, which include three categories: t-shirt design (grades K-3), web-page design (grades 4-8)and photography (grades 9-12).

2000 Arbor Day Student Contest Winners

T-shirt Design Contest

First Place - Andrea Gattuso from Pedricktown Elementary School

Second Place - Matthew Kopel from Indian Hill School

Third Place - Melissa Sukalo from Roberge School

Website Design Contest

First Place - South Brunswick Elementary School - Mrs. Murray, teacher

Second Place - Clara Coleman Elementary School - Mrs. Franzmann, teacher

Third Place - Walter C. Black School - Ms. Friendland, teacher

Photography Contest

First Place - Robert Engelhardt - Bayonne High School

Second Place - Natalie Wiggins - River Dell High School

Third Place - Kim Gearino - Edison High School