- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Media Contact
Ilyse Wolberg, DCR Deputy Communications Director
Boston — In honor of Arbor Day, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the agency has awarded more than $150,000 to 10 municipalities and nonprofit organizations to create, expand, and protect urban forests across the state. Growing the urban tree canopy brings positive environmental, public health, and energy efficiency benefits to residents living and working in these communities.
“As temperatures rise, we are empowering municipalities and nonprofits across Massachusetts to significantly expand our urban tree canopy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding gives communities the means to plant new trees, maintain existing ones, and create green spaces that benefit everyone.”
"DCR is committed to increasing the urban tree canopy across the state to promote climate resilience and make our communities healthier places to live and work,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We are excited that on Arbor Day and during Earth Week, we can provide the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants to communities across the state. This funding will enable these municipalities to improve the lives of residents by mitigating the effects of climate change.”
This funding will be used for tree planting and preservation, community engagement and education, developing a forestry workforce, and revitalizing collaborative and community-based management plans of these urban forests. A healthy tree canopy is proven to strengthen resilience to extreme heat, storm-induced flooding, and other climate impacts. Overall, expanding the urban tree canopy positively impacts the lives of those living and working in a community by improving air quality, reducing energy use by keeping homes cool in the summer with shade and warm in the winter by breaking up wind, and providing habitat for local birds and wildlife.
The following communities and organizations were awarded Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant funding:
| Awardee: | Funding Amount: |
|---|---|
| Town of Andover | $15,000 |
| Town of Bernardston | $7,000 |
| City of Brockton | $40,000 |
| Town of Lexington | $25,000 |
| Town of Longmeadow | $5,691 |
| Town of Maynard Tree Committee | $13,750 |
| Town of Sandwich Historic District Elm Preservation | $4,000 |
| Town of Sandwich Tree inventory Expansion | $21,500 |
| WE Tree Boston | $11,000 |
| Town of West Bridgewater | $8,000 |
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Media Contact
Department of Conservation & Recreation
The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depends on the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment.