The Acorn Project: Ridgewood Students Lead the Charge for a Greener Future
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Schools
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A fresh environmental movement is taking root across the Ridgewood Public School District, led by a generation of students committed to restoring the local ecosystem.
Yuna Kim, a junior at Ridgewood High School, has launched “The Acorn Project,” an ambitious initiative designed to combat invasive species and bolster the village’s natural canopy. Supported by the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission, the project bridges the gap between classroom learning and hands-on environmental stewardship.
Educating the Next Generation of Environmentalists
Kim isn’t working alone. Alongside RHS seniors Kiehye Song and Juyoung Lee, the team is visiting local schools to deliver a vital message: the health of our suburban forest depends on native species.
During these sessions, students learn about the “silent threat” of invasive plants that outcompete local flora and disrupt the food chain for birds and insects. By understanding the critical role that Oak trees play as a “keystone species” in New Jersey, students gain a deeper appreciation for the trees they see every day.
From Small Seeds to Mighty Oaks
The project isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. The initiative officially kicked off at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, where students successfully planted approximately 50 acorns.
The momentum is growing quickly:
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Expansion Underway: The program is currently moving into Hawes and Travell Elementary Schools.
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Village-Wide Vision: Plans are already in motion to bring The Acorn Project to every school across the Village of Ridgewood.
These saplings will eventually be transplanted to help replenish the village’s tree population, ensuring that Ridgewood remains the “Tree City” residents know and love for decades to come.
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #BergenCounty #EnvironmentalEducation #Sustainability #NativePlants #TreeCityUSA #StudentLeadership #GreenInitiative
