School Gets Educated : Hillsdale’s 170-year-old White Oak tree was supposed to be cut down for a school expansion
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hillsdale NJ, in an era where new construction often means “out with the old,” a piece of living history in Bergen County has just won a major victory. A venerable White Oak tree, which has stood guard in Hillsdale since nearly a decade before the Civil War, has officially been spared from the buzzsaws.
The decision comes after a passionate community campaign proved that you can balance modern progress with historical preservation.
A $62 Million Upgrade vs. One Historic Tree
The George G. White Middle School is currently undergoing a massive $62 million renovation. Approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, the project includes:
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A brand-new two-story wing with six classrooms.
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An expansive multipurpose room.
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Updated parking facilities and a retention pond.
Originally, the 170-year-old oak was slated for removal to make room for that parking and drainage system. However, on January 20, 2026, Schools Superintendent Robert Lombardy confirmed the district has successfully altered its engineering plans to keep the tree standing.
How the Community Saved the Hillsdale Oak
When the school’s expansion plans went public last fall, Hillsdale residents didn’t stay quiet. The “Save the Oak” movement gained rapid momentum:
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Petitions: Hundreds of neighbors signed two separate petitions to protect the tree.
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Expert Testimony: An arborist’s report in October 2024 confirmed the tree was in “very good health” with decades of life still ahead.
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Environmental Impact: Beyond its beauty, local experts pointed out that mature trees are Hillsdale’s best natural defense against the area’s frequent flooding.
“Not every healthy, venerable tree… gets protected from the reshaping of the land that is too often accompanied by the buzz of saws,” noted Fred Rubel, Chairman of Hillsdale’s Environmental Commission.
Living History: Measuring 17 Decades
The tree isn’t just a landmark; it’s a classroom. During an Arbor Day 2024 celebration, students at George G. White Middle School helped measure the oak’s circumference. Based on those measurements, experts estimated it was planted around 1855.
To ensure the tree survives the ongoing construction (slated for completion in Summer 2027), the borough has installed a protective snow fence to shield the critical root system from heavy machinery.
Why This Matters for Bergen County
This “reprieve” sets a precedent for other North Jersey towns facing overdevelopment. It proves that with proactive leadership and civil engineering creativity, historic landmarks—even the leafy ones—don’t have to be sacrificed for modern infrastructure.
Quick Facts: The George G. White Oak
| Feature | Detail |
| Species | White Oak (Quercus alba) |
| Estimated Age | 170 Years (Planted c. 1855) |
| Location | Magnolia & Liberty Avenues, Hillsdale, NJ |
| Project End Date | Summer 2027 |
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