Refuge Biologist, Kevin Holcomb, explains to Absegami High School (Absecon, NJ) students, the correct way to plant the trees. Photographer-Ed Jones; date-4/20/07; location-E.B. Forsythe NWR

Over 60 volunteers from the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, the Friends of Forsythe Refuge, several local Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Absegami High School's Interact Club, Stockton College and NJ Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs planted 600 trees as part a project which started on Make a Difference Day last October. The project was also made possible with support from Pictorial Offset of Carlstadt, NJ and The Conservation Fund.

The tree planting was part of a national initiative celebrating both Earth Day and National Global and Youth Service Day. Volunteers across the country participated in activities that reflected their concern for the planet's environment and natural resources.

The community tree planting continued the pioneering Carbon Sequestration program that is being implemented on the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

MXenergy, who had been looking for a partner for Earth Day, saw Forsythe's listing on the Earth Day Network website and contacted the refuge. As a result, MXenergy of Stamford, CT, donated supplies for the event, including tree shelters to protect the newly planted seedlings from deer, supporting stakes and Terra-Sorb, which prevents water loss in newly planted trees. MXenergy also provided bottled water and lunch for all event participants.

As part of National Environmental Education Week, volunteers also participated in environmental education activities showing the importance of trees. All participants received a seedling to plant in their own yard.

Voice of America, also searching the web for Earth Day events, saw Forsythe Refuge's listing and called for information. Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Perchetti was interviewed and an article on Forsythe's tree planting appeared on national Voice of America News, along with events in East Peoria, Illinois, Walnut Creek, California, and legendary Grateful dead artist Bob Weir concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.