CAMDEN, NJ – Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen will be joined by Camden County Commissioners, City Council Members, and “Team Camden” volunteers from Subaru of America, Inc., Wawa, local non-profits, community stakeholders, and residents on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 beginning at 9:00 a.m., for a special cemetery clean-up and free tree giveaway event at Evergreen Cemetery and New Camden Cemetery, located at Mount Ephraim Avenue and Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey, 08104.

Subaru, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, will also be distributing 200 mature and native trees to community members in the automaker’s hometown of Camden, NJ. Volunteers will be able to take a tree (while supplies last) and plant them on private property in an effort to have an immediate positive environmental impact, helping to rebuild tree canopies, raise air quality, conserve water, reduce flooding, and improve community well-being.

Camden’s historic cemeteries date back more than two centuries. The cemeteries are the final resting place to Camden’s founding families, distinguished citizens, historical figures, clergy, public servants including military veterans from numerous U.S. conflicts, and generation upon generation of grandparents, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and family members.

These burial grounds have suffered from the effects of budgetary restrictions, abandonment, vandalism, and a lack of proper care. Over time, the grounds fell into poor condition, and now contribute to the blight impacting the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, mounting maintenance challenges like decaying trees, overgrown vegetation, damaged fencing, toppled headstones, and damaged monuments are in much need of attention.

Over the past three years, Mayor Carstarphen, the City of Camden, and “Team Camden” partners have focused on cleaning, tree trimming, replacing fencing, and working to stabilize these historic places. Their efforts have resulted in a renewed interest in Camden’s cemeteries, attracting hundreds of volunteers and organizations to lend assistance. Significant improvements have been made, but more work lies ahead. The City of Camden is again calling on volunteers to assist with cleaning, tree trimming, fence repair, monument repair, beautification, and restoring pride and respect to these final resting places.

About Camden Strong - Clean Camden Campaign

Mayor Carstarphen kicked-off his Camden Strong initiative in 2021. Camden Strong calls for the implementation of a series of targeted activities aimed at addressing illegal dumping, improving community health, eliminating unsafe structures, bolstering public safety, and responding to nuisance concerns impacting the Camden community.

The Camden Strong-Clean Camden Campaign is now in the fourth year, and encompasses community clean-up events in neighborhoods across the City of Camden. Those interested in volunteering for the Mayor Carstarphen’s Camden Clean Campaign or the cemetery clean-up events can contact the Mayor’s Office at 856-757-7200 or by emailing camdenclean@ci.camden.nj.us

WHAT: Camden Strong Cemetery Clean-Up and Free Tree Giveaway

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Evergreen Cemetery and New Camden Cemetery

(Mount Ephraim Avenue and Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey, 08104)

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