In September of 2024 the NJ Shade Tree Federation Board of Directors, informed Merchantville's Shade Tree Commission that they had been selected as the recipient of the 2024 William J. Porter Community Tree Project Award, in the amount of $2,500 for their exceptionally creative example of transforming a public space into productive and valuable green space for the enjoyment of our community. Merchantville's "Tiny Forest" project utilized the Miyazaki Method and excavation of a 20 X 20 foot
plot with soil amendments and first tree planting took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The second planting is scheduled for early spring and the number of trees and shrubs in the forest will total 120. Spring planting will be a community event and a watering schedule is planned. This is just one of many sustainability partner projects initiated out by Merchantville's Green Team, Shade Tree Commission, Incredible Edible and Garden Club.