Glen Ridge's shade trees play an essential role in the life of the borough. The town's beautiful tree-lined streets have always been a source of civic pride. Research shows that trees also function as environmental workhorses - improving air quality, filtering pollutants from groundwater and providing much needed cooling.

Now the urban forest is in jeopardy and the Borough Council has created the Glen Ridge Shade Tree Commission to oversee the community's street trees.

In the words of its Mission Statement, the Commission is charged with "developing a flexible strategic plan, practical goals and defined steps to ensure that shade trees are planted, maintained and monitored over time." Commission members include Tim Delorm (Chair), Sally Ellyson (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Baker; Larry Stauffer and Elisabeth Ginsburg.

Trees take time to reach maturity. Between 2009 and the present, 301 borough trees were removed, while only 75 have been planted. Immediate action is needed to plant new trees and replace those lost to disease, poor landscape maintenance practices and the normal aging process.

It is also imperative to increase biodiversity. Over 70% of the town's trees are maples. A blight that targets young maples has already killed many specimens. A catastrophic epidemic like the Dutch Elm Disease of the 1960's and '70's, could wipe out most of the town's tree canopy in a relatively short time.

To meet this urgent need, the Shade Tree Commission has launched the "600 Tree Campaign," an effort to fund the purchase and installation of at least 600 new street trees as soon as possible.

The first step in the Campaign will take place on November 20th, when the Borough will open bids for the planting of 41 new street trees. The purchase and planting of the trees will be financed through a combination of private donations and public funds.

Additional public funding is limited. To meet the 600 tree goal, the Commission needs immediate help from all residents, local businesses and civic groups.

To make a contribution, go to the Commission's website at www.glenridgenj.org/600trees.htm, which contains a simple form and information about suggested donation levels. Those who contribute $250 or more will receive special recognition and can request that a site-appropriate tree be planted in a specific location.

Corporate sponsorships are also available for future fundraising and other events. For further information, e-mail shadetree@glenridgenj.org.

"Healthy trees benefit our whole community," says Commission Chair Tim Delorm, "and saving our tree canopy will take a community wide effort. Earlier residents planted the trees for us, now it's our turn to make sure we do the same for future generations of Glen Ridgers."

For more information on the Shade Tree Commission, the value of shade trees and the 600 Trees Campaign, visit www.glenridgenj.org/shadetree.htm.

To make tree-related requests or report tree damage, e-mail town arborist and NJ Tree Expert Richard Wolowicz at trees@glenridgenj.org or call 973-748-8400, ext. 202.