‘Trees for Schools’ Grant Will Expand Kean University Tree Canopy 

Kean University has been awarded a $235,000 state grant to plant 150 new trees across its Union campus, an initiative that will enhance the natural beauty of the grounds while advancing the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public impact. 

The Trees for Schools grant is part of $4.5 million awarded to 40 public schools, universities and colleges in New Jersey through a program created by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Sustainable Jersey. Awards were announced by New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette earlier this year.  

“This initiative is a visible and lasting step toward Kean University’s commitment to climate action and community wellness,” said Kean Assistant Professor Karen Woodruff, Ph.D., of the College of Education. “As one of New Jersey’s leading research and academic institutions, Kean is committed to sustainability and climate change mitigation across the University community.”  

The Trees for Schools grant will help mitigate the impact of climate change in the urban community surrounding the University, while also providing educational and research opportunities.  

Kean Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences Daniela Shebitz, Ph.D., said having trees on campus is important because they provide shade, regulate temperatures, purify the air of pollutants and absorb stormwater, while also adding to the beauty of the campus.   

“These benefits extend past our Kean borders and affect our surrounding areas such as Elizabeth. The more trees we have on campus, the greater those benefits are,” Shebitz said, adding that all of the trees planted will be native to New Jersey.  

Kean’s plans call for planting 150 trees of various native species on the Kean campus, with planting to begin in Spring 2026. Trees will be located along walking paths, near academic buildings, in places where trees are currently sparse, and will diversify the plantings already on campus.  

Tree species to be planted include dogwood, oak, maple, linden, cedar, tulip trees, hickory, magnolia, hemlock, willow, and more—all native to New Jersey 

A portion of the Kean campus surrounding Liberty Hall is already an official arboretum, according to Arbnet, an accrediting body. It will be enhanced to draw attention to the diverse native species on campus. 

The arboretum will be integrated into undergraduate and graduate level courses across Kean and enhance engagement with K-12 school district partners visiting the campus for various programs.  

A team of Kean faculty, staff and students also supported the grant application with letters indicating the importance of the grant for specific coursework, education initiatives and sustainability interests. Certified arborist Lucinda Landon, of the Nature Conservancy, and others also contributed and supported the application.  

“We are hoping people walking across campus will soon not just find beauty in the trees but will also be able to take deep breaths and relax under their shade,” Shebitz said.