New Jersey's Plan to Build a 9-Mile Green Space to Fight Climate Change
Official: DEP Unveils Vision & Action Plan for New Jersey’s Newest State Park, a Nine-Mile Greenway in Essex and Hudson Counties (26/P005)
Reading: The document describes an annual update of ongoing climate resilience work by state agencies, which extends existing efforts rather than creating new protections or substantially changing policy stringency.
The state released this plan as part of its annual update on how different government agencies are working together on climate protection.
In clear language
New Jersey is creating a new 9-mile park and green corridor across Essex and Hudson Counties to help protect communities from climate impacts like flooding and extreme weather. This project is part of the state's broader effort to build climate resilience by protecting homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. The state released this plan as part of its annual update on how different government agencies are working together on climate protection.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Residents of Essex and Hudson Counties who will have access to the new green space
- Homeowners and businesses in flood-prone areas that may benefit from improved climate protection
- People who use parks and outdoor spaces for recreation and wellness
- Communities that may experience reduced flooding and better air quality from the greenway
What can you do?
- Learn more about the new greenway project and how it might affect your neighborhood by visiting the NJ DEP website
- Participate in public input opportunities or community meetings about the park development
- Support climate resilience in your own area by planting trees, managing stormwater, and advocating for green spaces in your community
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- DEPOct 23, 2026State approves $88 million for open space, parks, and flood-prone home buyouts
New Jersey's Garden State Preservation Trust has approved more than $88 million for projects that protect open land, improve state parks and forests, and buy homes in flood-prone areas through the voluntary Blue Acres program. The money will help preserve water supplies, connect wildlife habitats, and make outdoor spaces easier to reach. The funding also supports flood protection by moving people out of areas that flood repeatedly.
- DEPOct 19, 2026New Jersey Adds All-Terrain Wheelchairs to State Parks
New Jersey is placing five new all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks and historic sites to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. This effort builds on the state's commitment to ensure all residents can enjoy public natural areas. The wheelchairs will be available for use at participating state parks.
- DEPSep 22, 2026New Jersey Plants 1,000th Tree and Awards $9.4 Million for Climate Projects
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating Climate Week by planting its 1,000th tree in Trenton as part of a community tree-planting program. The state is also awarding $9.4 million in grants to support various climate solutions across the state. These funds come from the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program, which helps communities reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- DEPSep 21, 2026New Jersey expands program helping regions prepare for flooding and climate change
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its Resilient NJ program to three new regions, helping communities work together to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding and climate impacts. The program brings together municipalities, community groups, and consultants to plan and invest in climate resilience. This expansion was announced during Climate Week 2026.