Morris County Celebrates Earth Day 2026

Published on April 22, 2026

Annual Tree Planting Ceremony; Proclamation Presented to Rutgers Environmental Steward Program

Morris County celebrated Earth Day 2026 with a ceremonial planting of two trees, a proclamation from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and a public presentation by the Rutgers Environmental Steward program on its environmental education and conservation efforts across New Jersey.

“Earth Day is a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our environment, preserving natural resources and ensuring that future generations inherit a county that is just as vibrant, economically sound and green as the one we enjoy today,” said Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “Here in Morris County, those same principles are reflected in our long-standing commitment to balancing preservation, environmental protection and smart economic development.”

The day began with the Morris County Shade Tree Division, Atlantic Health System and members of the Morris County Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Pi Theta Omega planting two Eastern Redbud trees at Morris View Healthcare Center. The trees were donated by Atlantic Health System. The annual initiative, now in its fourth year, supports native tree planting and long-term environmental stewardship at county and community sites throughout Morris County.

The Shade Tree Division prepared the site in advance and coordinated the delivery of the trees from Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouse. County staff will ensure the new plantings are properly staked and stabilized to support healthy growth.

View Photos from the Morris County’s Observance of Earth Day 2026

During the Board of County Commissioners’ 5 p.m. public meeting, Director Shaw presented an “Earth Day 2026” proclamation to Peter Nitzsche, head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County. Jean Epiphan, also of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, provided a presentation to the Board of Commissioners on the Rutgers Environmental Steward volunteer program and its impact in advancing hands-on conservation efforts statewide.

Epiphan explained how the program trains volunteers to address environmental challenges through applied learning and community-based projects. Participants frequently go on to serve on municipal environmental commissions, shade tree commissions, watershed organizations, parks departments, schools and local green teams.

In 2025, the program marked its 20th year, reporting 1,400 Environmental Stewards trained statewide, 333 community projects completed with more than 100 partner organizations, 184 habitat sites created or restored, 41,600 hours of environmental service, and more than 21,000 residents educated. The program also generated more than $1.5 million in conservation value through partnerships.

In Morris County, 85 environmental stewards have been trained to date, including nine in the current class, contributing more than 2,700 volunteer hours in 2025 alone.

The program also recognized John and Susan Landau of Morristown as 2025 Environmental Steward Alumni of the Year for their leadership in forest restoration and ecological stewardship, including the restoration of Foote’s Pond Wood, where invasive vegetation was removed and native habitat and public trails were restored.

During the meeting, Director Shaw also highlighted the impact of the Morris County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, established following voter approval in 1992 to support the protection of land and natural resources. The fund supports open space and farmland preservation, flood mitigation, historic preservation, trail construction and park improvements that enhance and sustain quality of life for county residents.

To date, Morris County has protected more than 18,440 acres of open space and supported the preservation of more than 8,250 acres of farmland across 143 farms. The county also maintains the largest county park system in New Jersey, with more than 20,600 acres of parkland and 264 miles of trails.

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Photo 1: (l-r) Phaedra Singelis, Coordinator for the Rutgers Master Gardener and Environmental Stewards Programs; Jean Epiphan; Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent; Commissioner Tayfun Selen; Peter Nitzsche, head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County; Director Stephen Shaw; Commissioners Christine Myers, Douglas Cabana and Thomas Mastrangelo.

Photo 2: Morris County Shade Tree Division staff stand with the Eastern Redbud tree they planted. From left to right: Kristian McMorland, director; Keith Guthrie, laborer 1; Joe Kubacki, tree maintenance 1; and Eric Nunes tree maintenance 2.