First graders from Toll Gate Grammar School gathered Friday morning under a canopy of spring leaves to mark Arbor Day the way Pennington has for decades — by planting a tree and learning how to care for it.
The April 24 celebration, held at the Eileen M. Heinzel Arboretum at the corner of East Curlis Avenue and Abey Drive, brought together students, teachers, borough officials, and members of the Shade Tree Committee for a hands-on lesson in stewardship.
Pennington Borough Councilman Daniel Rubenstein opened the event by speaking with students about the importance of trees before reading the borough’s annual Arbor Day proclamation. The event is part of the requirements for Pennington’s continued recognition as a Tree City USA community — a designation the borough has maintained for 38 years.
Public Works staff played a central role in guiding the students through the planting process, explaining everything from composting to tree protection.
Johnny Vaggott demonstrated how the borough processes yard waste into compost, while Kacper Zajdel introduced students to the Eastern Redbud tree they would be planting, pointing out its characteristics and role in the local environment. Students watched — and then eagerly joined in — as soil was shoveled back into place around the root ball.
With guidance from Public Works Foreman Moe Fabian, students helped cover the newly planted tree with mulch, learning how proper care helps protect young trees as they grow. A plastic guard was also installed around the trunk to prevent damage from deer.
For many of the students, the morning was as much about participation as it was about learning. Several took turns digging and filling the hole, while others gathered nearby, asking questions and watching closely.
The program also included a creative component. Students read original poems they had written for Arbor Day, reflecting on trees, nature, and the environment in their own words.
The annual event highlights the work of Pennington’s Shade Tree Committee — a group of seven volunteers, along with Public Works staff and a Council liaison — responsible for maintaining the health and diversity of the borough’s urban forest.
It also serves as a reminder of the role trees play in the community, from improving air quality and managing stormwater to enhancing neighborhood character.
As one of the borough’s longest-running traditions, the Arbor Day celebration continues to connect generations — pairing the knowledge of those who care for Pennington’s trees with the curiosity of students who will inherit them.
