Vernon H. Collins - Merchantville, NJ
N 39° 57.030 W 075° 02.935
18S E 495821 N 4422264
This tree is just over 9 years old, being planted in arbor day, 1992. It is located on the municipal grounds, almost at the corner of West Maple Avenue and South Centre street. The Presbyterian church is directly across the street.
Waymark Code: WM95Y9
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 07/03/2010
Views: 3
This dedicated tree is located in the front of the municipal building. Simply stand on the very far right of the municipal building on the sidewalk with the street to your back. The dedicated tree is just to the left of the corner of the property, where the intersection occurs. It is next to the butterfly garden. Look down at the base of the tree and you will see the marker, one in the front and the other marker in the rear. I am not sure about the species but I know it is very common in NJ and in the northeast corridor as well. This tree is very unique as there are two markers, one announcing who it is dedicated to and the other, announcing it was planted Arbor Day 1992.
After walking the streets of downtown Merchantville for a few hours I discovered this is a “Shade Tree” kind of community with trees lining every street, business and each park and playground. The shopping area on Centre St, & West & Park Avenues are all very quaint. I spied lots restaurants, grocery stores, specialty shops, and all sorts of other eclectic shops. These dedicated trees enhance the natural beauty of this town.
As far as dedicated trees are concerned the town takes this very serious and has a commission with board members who have been taking care of this for 68 years! In 1942, Borough Council formed a Shade Tree Commission according to State provisions. This group was assigned the task of planting, caring and removing all trees that stand between the street and the side walk and all public property. The rest of the trees in Merchantville to be in the care of the property owner.
The Shade Tree Commission may be contacted through Borough Hall at 856-662-2474 ext.173. Today, the Commission maintains jurisdiction over all trees in the borough which are on community property including trees are growing between the sidewalk and curb, trees in Wellwood or Morrissey Park and trees on Municipal property. Memorial trees and plaques are available through the Commission.
The inscribed/etched white, polished stone marker at the foot of the tree is flush with the ground and set inside a partially broken concrete holder. It reads:
In Honor Of
Vernon H. Collins