Since its inception in 2003 Groundwork Elizabeth has planted more than 2500 trees within the Elizabeth community. Through cooperation with the State of New Jersey’s Urban Canopy Program, whose purpose was to reduce ground temperatures in urban communities by planting trees, and through a partnership with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders’ Greening Union County Initiative, Groundwork has helped engage the community, the city, and the private sector in the placement of these trees.