By Ruth O. Pierce, community/citizen scientist, Bridgeton, NJ
In 2025, I learned of the NJDEP Big & Heritage Tree list Big & Heritage Trees – State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites through the Rutgers Environmental Stewardship program.
Maintained since the 1930s, the biggest trees are nominated by residents for their historical, environmental, and genetic value. Ultimately for me it has become like a scavenger hunt—finding the trees already on the list and comparing the ones that I find to see if they can be added.
Based on an earlier tree workshop for identifying trees in June 2025 (this free program was also held this past June at the Bridgeton Public Library), I nominated online what I thought was a Dawn Redwood. I received a response in June 2026, and on June 26, the DEP met me at the Veterans Memorial Park on Mayor Aitken drive and we confirmed that the tree is a baldcypress, pictured below right, and the fifth largest of six reported on the state list. This tree is 168 years old and uses 370 gallons of water per day.
The city park has the official NJDEP letters for these trees, also including the pictured sycamore (below left), which is between the Dame School and Cumberland Nail Museum at the park entrance; it is the third largest in the state of 62 listed. This tree is 368 years old and uses 920 gallons of water per day!
The Siberian elm pictured at top, which is non-native, is the current state champion. At the rear of the Veterans Memorial Park, the tree is right on the Cohansey River and is the largest reported in the state. This tree is 192 years old and uses 480 gallons of water per day!
My intention with the city is to get plaques or signs made so the trees can get some love, respect, and appreciation when visited. Trees of this size are significant resources and perform 600 times the environmental benefits of typical trees; they should be respected as such. Please be nice to them. I am also working with the city to get the invasive English ivy addressed. A tree walk is in the works also; stay tuned!
So, if you want to have some free family fun this summer, check the website (https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/conservation/big-heritage-trees/), pack a lunch and grab a tape measure and notepad. Find some trees and make some nominations of your own. You too can become a citizen/community scientist.
There had been no trees on this list from our beautiful, historic city. After I learned of the program, it was easy to get Bridgeton on the map for something positive.
Note that as of July 23, 2026, the website has not yet been updated. When the DEP updates it, you will see little tree icons in Bridgeton.
Our trees are in the park so that everyone can enjoy Big & Heritage Trees – State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. Please go and say hello to them.
