Greening Camden: Shelterbelt Tree Planting at Liney Ditch Park

In Camden’s Waterfront South neighborhood—where industrial activity has long impacted air quality—residents have voiced a clear and consistent request: more trees, more green space, and cleaner air. On October 15, 2013, that vision took root in a big way.

Thanks to a powerful collaboration between the NJ Tree Foundation (NJTF), TD Bank, Camden City, and the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), the largest tree planting in Camden’s history transformed Liney Ditch Park into a living barrier of environmental resilience.

117 Trees, One Community Vision

Over 90 volunteers from TD Bank joined forces with local partners to plant 117 deciduous and evergreen trees as part of TD Tree Day. These trees now form a shelterbelt around the CCMUA Wastewater Treatment Plant—serving as a natural defense against pollution, odors, and stormwater runoff.

Shelterbelts are strategic rows of vegetation designed to reduce wind speeds, intercept airborne particles, and absorb odorous gases. In Camden, they’re more than a conservation practice—they’re a community-driven solution to environmental injustice.

How Trees Fight Pollution and Odor

Shelterbelt trees work in several ways to improve air quality and reduce odors:

• Turbulence Mixing: Wind passing through the trees mixes odorous air with cleaner air above.
• Particulate Settling: Reduced wind speeds allow dust and odor-carrying particles to settle.
• Leaf Interception: Particles stick to leaf surfaces, where microbes help break them down.
• Foliage Absorption: Pollutants enter leaves through stomata or absorb into waxy coatings.

Research shows that forested areas can intercept air pollutants up to 20 times more effectively than barren land. Conifers, in particular, excel at absorbing gases and particulates throughout the growing season.

Stormwater Defense, Too

Camden’s combined sewer system means that heavy rains can overwhelm infrastructure, causing backups and flooding. Each tree in the shelterbelt captures approximately 2,000 gallons of stormwater annually—meaning the new trees divert over 234,000 gallons from the sewer system every year.

This green infrastructure not only beautifies Liney Ditch Park—it protects homes, streets, and waterways.

Powered by Partnership

This project was made possible by a coalition of committed organizations:

• NJ Tree Foundation: A statewide nonprofit planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
• TD Bank: Sponsor of TD Tree Day and provider of volunteers.
• Heart of Camden & CFET: Neighborhood-based nonprofits advocating for green space.
• Camden SMART: Rain garden champions and tree requesters.
• Camden Special Services District: Responsible for watering and tree care.
• City of Camden & CCMUA: Infrastructure leaders and community stewards.

Toward a Healthier Camden

The CCMUA Wastewater Treatment Plant processes over 58 million gallons of sewage daily—making odor control a top priority. With zero tolerance for odor and a decade of technical upgrades, the shelterbelt adds a vital layer of natural protection.

Together, these trees represent more than environmental science—they’re a symbol of community resilience, equity, and hope.