As we approach the end of the Semi quincentennial year, we are putting out another ask of our community members. Would you plant a tree in your yard to memorialize America’s 250th birthday?
During 2026 Ewing Township and the Green Team promoted our 250 Tree Planting Initiative in celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. We encouraged our residents and businesses to plant trees for the many benefits that they provide. From air purification, to climate change mitigation, to preventing stormwater runoff, to supporting biodiversity, to increasing property values and beautifying our neighborhoods, trees provide vital ecosystem and economic services for communities and wildlife.
Ewing’s tree canopy cover is low compared to the average statewide in New Jersey. Our goal then is to inspire 250+ Ewing residents, businesses, and organizations to plant at least 250 trees in town. This can be on your own property or by donating to plant a tree in one of Ewing’s parks and public lands.
It’s not too late
Fall is a great time to plant trees. The soil is still warm. The air is cooler. Overall, there is much less stress on new plantings. New Jersey’s drought has also finally ended, so we have had abundant moisture. Fall planting allows time for a newly planted tree’s roots to get established so that it is ready to grow and thrive when spring arrives. (Do be sure though to remember to keep your newly planted trees well-watered even through the colder months should we experience a return to dry conditions.)
Give America the best birthday gift ever. Plant a tree! Fill out our PLEDGE TO PLANT form to let us know and have your new tree be counted in our community-wide tally.
Additional Resources
Check out Ewing Township’s Caring for Your Trees webpage at ewingnj.org/caring-for-your-trees for detailed information. The page covers a wide variety of tree topics including regular maintenance, pruning (say no to tree topping), mulching tips (no volcanoes!), choosing your tree, and much more.
DUE TO THE FORECAST FOR HIGH WINDS AND RAIN FOR TOMORROW, WE ARE CANCELING THE EWING FALL SPIN – CROSSROADS OF THE REVOLUTION BIKE RIDE. IT WILL BE TOO DANGEROUS TO HAVE RIDERS OUT IN THE STORM. THE BIKE RIDE COMMITTEE WILL MEET TO CONSIDER DOING A RIDE LATER THS FALL AND WILL KEEP ALL RIDERS ABREAST OF ANY DECISIONS THAT ARE MADE.
On behalf of the Mayor, Bert Steinmann, Township Council and the Bike Ride committee, the Ewing Green Team wants to welcome you to the Crossroads of the Revolution Bike Ride. The ride will benefit the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society. We are looking forward to a fun ride and an opportunity to learn some history along the way. The ride will begin and end at Washington Crossing Park in Titusville, NJ. Please use the main entrance on Washington Crossing -Pennington Rd, then make a left and another left into the parking lot. There will be signs and people directing you.
Check in starts at 8:15am. After checking in each rider will receive a shirt. Snacks, fruit, and water will be available at the start and the rest stops. We will have speakers starting at 8:40am and the ride will start at 9:00am. The ride will be led by the Ewing Police with assistance from Hopewell and Trenton Police Departments. A turn-by-turn sheet is attached to this notice, as well as tips for what to watch for from Washington Crossing Park to Birmingham Park, put together by the Historic Preservation Society. Once the ride gets back on the canal path after the stop at the Old Barracks then riders will be able to go at their own pace. A porta-john will be available at the start/end location.
Stops
Birmingham Park/West Trenton Corner – Riders can park bikes in West Trenton Fire Company parking lot. The bathrooms in the building will be open if needed. The Ewing Historic Preservation Society will have a table. Local Historian Larry Kidder will talk on the importance of location and there will be snacks and drinks. Some riders will join the ride at this location. Time: Appx. 20 minutes.
Old Barracks in Trenton – Riders can park bike outside of the Old Barracks and they will be watched by the police. Riders can walk around the Barracks and use the rest rooms. Snacks and drinks will be available. Time: Appx 20 minutes.
Lower Ferry Road Canal Bridge – Drinks and snacks will available.
The ride will finish back at the parking lot where it started. We encourage you to stroll the grounds of the park and explore the outside of the new park Museum and Visitor Center upon your return.
Historical Places to Watch Out for Along the Route from Washington’s Crossing to Birmingham Park
The Ewing Township Historical Preservation Society has kindly assembled the following six historical highlights to watch out for along the route from Washington’s Crossing Park to Birmingham Park.
Corner of Washington Crossing, Pennington-Lawrenceville Road and Bear Tavern Road. Close to this corner was the original Bear Tavern. The building on the far-left corner is not the tavern, but it is the headquarters of the Park Police.
Look for Janssen Pharmaceuticals on the right side of Bear Tavern Road. The road is now beginning to dip into a ravine that crosses Jacob’s Creek. Washington’s soldiers took almost an hour to go down the hill, cross the creek, and climb out of the valley with horses, eighteen cannons and about 2,400 soldiers. It was now 6:00 am on December 26th.
On Bear Tavern Road between Jacob’s Creek Road and Windybush Way, there is a historical marker for Washington’s March to Trenton. It is on the left side near address 1014 Bear Tavern Road
Inscription: “All our hopes were blasted by that unhappy affair at Trenton.” Quote from Lord George Germain, British Colonel Secretary.
On Bear Tavern Road near Mercer Airport (left side after crossing Route 295) is a historical marker. It explains the naming of the airport after General Hugh Mercer, who died from wounds at the Battle of Princeton.
On Bear Tavern Road right before coming to Birmingham Park (corner of Bear Tavern and Lower Ferry Roads) there are two markers on the right side of the road, explaining the significance of the planned split of the soldiers into two columns as they marched to Trenton.
Birmingham Park: An incredibly significant Revolutionary War location. During the march to the Battle of Trenton, Washington divided his troops between Generals Sullivan and Greene, with instructions to attack the Hessians from two different directions simultaneously.
Weather
The current weather forecast for Saturday appears iffy. It we just are experiencing light rain or showers; the ride will go on. However, the timing of the predicted Nor’easter is still up in the air. Heavy rains, winds and unsafe conditions will require us to cancel. Please check your cell phone for a text to alert you to any changes about the event. A cancellation will also be posted on ewingnj.org, ewinggreenteam.org and the Civic Rec online registration system
Thank you for your support and we wish everyone a great ride!
On September 26, 2026, let’s ride together in the Ewing Green Team and Recreation Department’s Annual Ewing Fall Spin – the Ewing 250: Crossroads of the Revolution BikeRide. This Ride commemorates Washington’s historic Christmas march from Titusville to Trenton in 1776, setting in motion a series of victories that turned the tide of war in favor of the Continental Army and supplies a semifinal flourish to our yearlong Ewing 250 celebrations.
Our Crossroads of the Revolution BikeRide will provide participants with the opportunity to celebrate our local role in our nation’s history as they retrace Washington’s route starting off at the upper parking lot in Washington Crossing Park in Hopewell. The ride is approximately 18 miles long, with any elevation challenges mostly in the first number of miles. For those who feel that the length is a bit much for you, contact the Ewing Green Team at ewinggreenteam@gmail.com, or the Ewing Recreation Department at (609) 883-1776 to coordinate joining the ride at Birmingham Park in Ewing. This will still allow you to participate in our historic ride.
Ride Features
Ewing, Trenton, and Hopewell police will accompany riders and provide road safety along the entire route
Guest speakers will be featured prior to ride send off at 9am with a musket volley
3 rest stops with refreshments
Historian Larry Kidder will speak at Birmingham Park rest stop (bike parking, restroom facilities, and refreshments at the West Trenton Fire House)
Riders may briefly tour the Old Barracks during the rest stop in Trenton
Return route rest stop at Lower Ferry Road in Ewing along the canal.
Riders will exit the park and travel to Bear Tavern Road. Going right on Bear Tavern they will continue, crossing Jacob’s Creek, and continuing on past the airport until they reach the crossroads at Birmingham Park. This is where Washington split his forces for a planned two-pronged attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton. After a brief presentation at the crossroads, we will follow the path of the troops who went down Sullivan Way, through Cadwalader Park and onto State Street until we reach Barrack Street in Trenton. The end point of the ride will be the Old Barracks Museum. Following a brief stop and opportunity for a quick tour of the facility, riders will then make their way back to the Canal Path in Cadwalader Park which they will take back to Washington Crossing Park.
Ride Beneficiary
This year’s ride is being run to support the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, a local Ewing non-profit headquartered at the Benjamin Temple House on Federal City Road, that works to preserve and interpret the history of Ewing Township.
Registration
Pre-registration is required to guarantee a tee shirt, but you are, of course, welcome to register day of. There is a sliding scale for pricing: adults, couples, and family plans. The fee for individual adults, aged 18 years and older, is $25. For couples the fee is $40, and don’t forget our Family Plan which costs $50 for 3 or more individuals living in the same household (aged 18+).
So, plan to join us at our Ewing 250: Crossroads of the Revolution BikeRide, as we enjoy our connection to our nation’s past and participate in some of the celebrations across the nation, all while adhering to our mission of raising awareness of bicycle safety and promoting healthy lifestyles as well as a more bikeable Ewing.
Don’t Forget!
Be sure to wear your red, white and blue to Ride the Revolution!
For those who are participating in Ewing 250’s 250 Mile Virtual Challenge, you can enter your mileage from our Revolutionary Ride to help you reach your goal!
Standard safety gear (helmets) and road compliant bicycles are required. E-bikes must adhere to NJMVC requirements.
Riders are encouraged to bring their own re-usable water bottles and fill them at our rest stops.
Ride Details
Date: September 26, 2026 (Rain or shine). In case of really inclement weather and the event has to be cancelled, we will try to contact you by phone and/or email. (So please fill out the form with your computer or sign up using CivicRec) Map : see map link Meet Up: 8:15 a.m. at Washington’s Crossing Park in Hopewell Ride Start: 9 a.m. send off with a musket volley! Cost: $25 – ages 18 and up | $40 for couples | Family Plan (3 or more individuals living in the same household over 18) – $50 Police Escort: The Ewing police will once again escort us through intersections. Hopewell and Trenton Police will assist in their respective communities. Registration:Online| In Person (Register and pay at the ESCC Recreation Department Office, Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, NJ 08638. | Phone in registration by Credit Card (Call 609-883-1776 Ext. 2) | By mail (form)
The Ewing Green Team and Ewing Recreation Department invite you to show your patriot fervor and Ride the Revolution with us at our Annual Fall Spin Bike Ride on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
This year’s ride will be held in celebration of Ewing’s quiet but meaningful role in our nation’s history. Join us in our Ewing 250: Crossroads of the Revolution BikeRide and retrace Washington’s historic march from Washington Crossing to Trenton. We will bike up from the river at Washington Crossing Park and reach Bear Tavern Road. Going right on Bear Tavern we will continue, crossing Jacob’s Creek, and continuing on past the airport until we reach the crossroads at Birmingham Park. This is where Washington split his forces for a planned two-pronged attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton. After a brief presentation by Historian Larry Kidder at the crossroads, we will follow the path of the troops who went down Sullivan Way, through Cadwalader Park and onto State Street until we reach Barrack Street in Trenton. The end point of the ride will be the Old Barracks Museum. Following a brief stop, riders will then make their way back to the Canal Path in Cadwalader Park which they will take back to Washington Crossing Park.
This will be a 19-mile round trip with police escorts, guest speakers, rest stops and refreshments along the way.
FYI, the first part of the ridemay be challenging for inexperienced riders, so we encourage you to get out this summer and prepare for our event.
The event is still in the planning stages, so look for more information to come as things fall into place.
“One of the best things about Ewing is that our history isn’t confined to a museum — it’s part of the landscape around us. This ride is a chance to experience that history while enjoying the outdoors and celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.”
— Mayor Bert H. Steinmann
This year’s ride is being run to support the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, a local Ewing non-profit headquartered at the Benjamin Temple House on Federal City Road, that works to preserve and interpret the history of Ewing Township.
Pre-registration is required to guarantee a tee shirt. There is a sliding scale for pricing: adults, couples, and family plans. The fee for individual adults, aged 18 years and older, is $25. For couples the fee is $40, and don’t forget our Family Plan which costs $50 for 3 or more individuals living in the same household (aged 18+). The deadline for registration is Sept 20th to guarantee a T-shirt. We will attempt to provide tee shirts for late registrants (registrations received after the 20th), but they may not be received in time for the ride.
So, plan to join us at our Ewing 250: Crossroads of the Revolution BikeRide, as we enjoy our connection to our nation’s past and participate in some of the celebrations across the nation, all while adhering to our mission of raising awareness of bicycle safety and promoting healthy lifestyles as well as a more bikeable Ewing.
Don’t Forget!
Be sure to wear your red, white and blue to Ride the Revolution!
For those who are participating in Ewing 250’s 250 Mile Virtual Challenge, you can enter your mileage from our Revolutionary Ride to help you reach your goal!
Standard safety gear (helmets) and road compliant bicycles are required. E-bikes must adhere to NJMVC requirements.
SAG support this year will be provided by Firehouse Cycles in Yardley, PA. Thank you!
Riders are encouraged to bring their own re-usable water bottles and fill them at our rest stops.
Ride Details
Date: September 26, 2026 (Rain or shine). In case of really inclement weather and the event has to be cancelled, we will try to contact you by phone and/or email. (So please fill out the form with your computer or sign up using CivicRec) Map : see map link Meet Up: 8:15 a.m. at Washington’s Crossing Park in Hopewell Ride Start: 9 a.m. Cost: $25 – ages 18 and up | $40 for couples | Family Plan (3 or more individuals living in the same household over 18) – $50 Registration Deadline: September 20th to receive a t-shirt, afterwards – only if available. Police Escort: The Ewing police will once again escort us through intersections. Hopewell and Trenton Police will assist in their respective communities. Registration: Online| In Person (Register and pay at the ESCC Recreation Department Office, Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, NJ 08638. | Phone in registration by Credit Card (Call 609-883-1776 Ext. 2) | By mail (form.)
Ewing Township will mark Arbor Day 2026 with our annual tree planting and celebration of joining the ranks of Tree City USA communities across the nation. To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. Ewing is proud to celebrate this community effort in maintaining and expanding our community tree canopy.
“Earning Tree City USA recognition is something we take pride in because it reflects real work happening on the ground here in Ewing. We understand that trees are not just about aesthetics — they are critical to how we manage stormwater, reduce flooding, improve air quality, and keep our neighborhoods cooler and healthier. Our investment in maintaining and expanding our tree canopy is part of a broader commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community for our residents.” Mayor Bert Steinmann.
Mayor Steinmann continued: “This recognition would not be possible without the ongoing efforts of the Ewing Green Team and the Ewing Environmental Commission, who continue to lead the charge on environmental stewardship in our community. Their work, along with initiatives like our ‘250 Trees for 250’ campaign, is helping us grow our canopy in a thoughtful, strategic way while also engaging residents in the process. It’s a true community effort, and one we’re committed to continuing.”
Ewing’s Green Team and Environmental Commission have been celebrating Arbor Day with ceremonial tree planting since 2018. Members of both Boards combine funds to donate a tree every Arbor Day, and have it planted in one of Ewing’s parks to serve as living reminders of the work that they do.
This Arbor Day the two boards will once again join Mayor Bert Steinmann, members of Township Council, and other dignitaries in marking the day with the annual tree planting on Saturday morning, April 25th. A number of red maple trees will be planted near the front of John S. Watson Park off of Lower Ferry Road. This park’s tree canopy has been particularly hard hit by the loss of numerous Ash trees, due to the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that has plagued Ash tree canopies across much of the country.
To date, the boards have been successful in completing a tree allée of Princeton Elms at the Bejamin Temple House at Drake Farm Park added a couple of Black gum trees to Watson Park, and contributed a tree to the front of the small parking lot along Upper Ferry Road in front of the ½ -mile paved path loop at Veterans Memorial Park.
Arbor Day History
Arbor Day is celebrated internationally on the last Friday in April. It’s a day to plant new trees, care for existing ones, celebrate their benefits as we educate the community as to their role in benefiting our environment.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like Ewing are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Ewing is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
Join Our 250 Tree Campaign!
This Arbor Day we put forward an additional “ask” to Ewing community members. In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, the Ewing Green Team and Environmental Commission are working with our Mayor and Council, local businesses, and residents to reach an audacious and worthy goal – planting 250 new trees in Ewing!
Our ask: Give America the best birthday gift ever. Plant a tree!
We can’t do it alone. We need your help! To help us achieve our shared dream of a more beautiful, healthy, and environmentally friendly Ewing, we ask that you take a simple but important step: Plant one tree!
