Berri Gerjuoy/Creative Commons
The Salem Oak Tree had been one of the state’s best known and most celebrated trees because of its size, age and role in the history of New Jersey. To quote the former New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner, Catherine R. McCabe, the Oak was the sole surviving tree from the original forest that covered the land when Quaker John Fenwick founded Salem in 1675. According to legend, Fenwick met with the Lenni Lenape Native Americans and signed a peace treaty (one that was never broken) under the shade and comfort of the branches of the Oak. This event is commemorated by a historical marker at the site.
In 2019, the mighty tree unexpectedly collapsed in the Salem Friends Burial Grounds.
Photo by J. Berenato
About that time, the NJDEP began collecting acorns from the tree and grew seedlings that were distributed in 2020 to municipalities throughout New Jersey. According to an NJDEP press release in 2019, the purpose of the distribution of the seedlings to the 565 municipalities with the expectation to plant, was to share the history and preserve the legacy of the tree throughout the state. The timing of the distribution coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day in America to show the commitment to protect and respect the environment.
Hammonton was a recipient of one of the seedlings and it was immediately placed in the Town tree bank so that it would continue to grow until such time as it could be planted. The Hammonton Environmental Commission identified several locations where it could be planted but ultimately selected Oak Grove Cemetery as the most appropriate location.
The tree was under the care of the Hammonton Department of Public Works until it was planted at Oak Grove Cemetery on April 26, 2024 in observance of Arbor Day.
Hammonton was a recipient of one of the seedlings and it was immediately placed in the Town tree bank so that it would continue to grow until such time as it could be planted. The Hammonton Environmental Commission identified several locations where it could be planted but ultimately selected Oak Grove Cemetery as the most appropriate location.
The tree was under the care of the Hammonton Department of Public Works until it was planted at Oak Grove Cemetery on April 26, 2024 in observance of Arbor Day.
