#United States #New Jersey #FirstEnergy #JCP&L #tree planting

JCP&L Employees Volunteer to Plant Trees in New Jersey

In an inspiring initiative emphasizing environmental responsibility, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) employees have planted over 2,000 trees across New Jersey in 2025. This endeavor is part of a larger commitment by FirstEnergy Corp., the parent company of JCP&L, illustrating their dedication to sustainability and community engagement.

So far this year, the number of trees planted has reached 2,174, already pushing JCP&L toward surpassing last year's record of 2,795 trees. With a wider goal of donating 25,000 trees across their five-state service area, FirstEnergy is well on track, with nearly 23,000 trees planted nationwide by June.

Doug Mokoid, President of New Jersey Operations at FirstEnergy, expressed pride in their team’s commitment to enhancing local environments.

“We are fortunate to work and raise our families in one of the most beautiful states in the country and privileged to give back to our communities with a program that provides a greener, cleaner and healthier environment,” Mokoid said.

He noted that the commitment goes beyond mere tree-planting; employees often help clean up fallen trees after storms. The initiative is a vital contribution to restoring nature and improving community health.

The tree-planting locations are determined in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. These efforts ensure that plantings are done safely, away from utility infrastructure like power lines. The tree varieties include native species such as red maple, river birch, white oak, northern red oak, shagbark hickory, bitternut hickory, pitch pine, and dogwoods.

This year’s events have included several notable partnerships:

• - Earth Day: Over 580 trees were planted with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore at Camp Sacajawea in Farmingdale.
• - Collaborations with the Schiff Natural Lands Trust resulted in 400 trees being planted at the Tempe Wick Preserve in Mendham.
• - Local schools received attention from JCP&L, where 160 trees were planted at Howell Middle School South, 100 at Milford Brook Elementary School, and 64 at Clara B. Worth Elementary School in Bayville.
• - The N.J. Audubon Society joined forces with JCPL employees to plant nearly 180 trees at the Wattles Stewardship Center, with another 250 trees planted at Hampton Borough Park in collaboration with the Musconetong Watershed Association.
• - In response to recent wildfires, over 300 new trees were planted in Winding River Park in Toms River, just days following a major fire incident.

Beyond planting trees, JCP&L employees are also actively involved in community events. At the New Jersey Sustainability Summit in early May, volunteers distributed 150 tree seedlings, further contributing to long-term sustainability efforts. The JCPL Green Team, a group of employees dedicated to environmental initiatives, has been leading these initiatives, with over 40 members contributing a total of 214 hours this year to various tree-planting efforts. Since its start in 2018, the Green Team has expanded across all states in which FirstEnergy operates.

JCP&L provides power to 1.1 million customers in various counties, including Burlington, Essex, Mercer, and Sussex. By actively participating in community improvement projects, they underscore their commitment to serving the communities where they operate.

To keep up with their initiatives, follow JCP&L on social media platforms such as X (@JCP_L) and Facebook (facebook.com/JCPandL) or visit their website at jcp-l.com. FirstEnergy remains committed to delivering safe and reliable service while taking significant steps towards sustainability and environmental stewardship.