04/24/2026
Celebrating Arbor Day.
Arbor Day Announcement
West Orange is planning to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by planting 250 trees throughout the township. The plantings draw inspiration from a community initiative recently adopted in Ewing Township, Mercer County.
The town’s oldest documented tree currently stands on Main Street in front of the West Orange Community House and dates to at least 1787. A plaque behind the tree suggests it could even be older. The new tree plantings will add to this legacy.
The oldest tree underscores the importance of tree stewardship and the vital role trees play in sustaining a green environment. The planting of 250 new trees from the Township’s existing inventory will significantly enhance West Orange’s tree canopy.
Beyond their natural beauty, trees provide measurable benefits to the community by helping to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, enhance property values, and contribute to overall community well-being.
Planting trees to mark America’s 250th anniversary aligns with a broader statewide effort to commemorate the REV NJ 250 partnership established by the New Jersey State Legislature in 2018. It was created to promote tourism and highlight each community’s unique Revolutionary War history.
Mayor McCartney registered West Orange as a participating REV NJ 250 community after presenting a resolution to the Township Council in 2023. A weeklong REV NJ 250 traveling exhibit came to the West Orange Public Library in January, followed by a March program exploring the Township’s Revolutionary War connections. Artifacts highlighting West Orange’s role in the War for Independence are currently on display in the library lobby at 10 Rooney Circle.
The West Orange tree plantings will carry forward the spirit of the commemoration of America’s 250th by establishing a lasting investment in the Township’s future. These trees will serve as a visible and enduring legacy by enriching the community for generations to come while inspiring residents to explore and appreciate New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history.
