We’ve all seen branches fall or even a tree or 2 uprooted when strong winds whip through South Jersey. But a few years ago when Haddonfield lost a historic buttonwood tree followed by one of the state’s oldest black oaks, local residents decided to make sure no twig would go to waste.

Local volunteers have been transforming salvaged pieces of wood into works of art and furniture for the community. They call it the Buttonwood and Black Oaks projects. Local artist John Giannotti used the buttonwood bark to create a multimedia piece of art for the Haddonfield Library (see photo above), and furniture maker Jeff Braddock turned wood from that same tree into a communal table holding court at the King’s Road Brewing Company. Members of Haddonfield Rotary Club also commissioned 2 reading tables made from the black oak tree for the Haddonfield Library.