07-03-2025
These 3 western Mass. communities awarded funds for planting trees
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– Several communities and organizations in across the state are receiving grants totaling $1.3-million for planting trees, including Greenfield, Pittsfield and South Hadley.
The Cooling Corridors program focuses on planting trees along popular walking routes and in communities that face environmental challenges to help reduce rising heat due to climate change.
This garden staple is ready to be started indoors this March
Shade trees are planted in small groupings so that they grow to create cooler and more enjoyable spaces for walking and gathering, especially in higher population neighborhoods that are more vulnerable to extreme heat. The awardees will also take care of the newly planted trees for two years to ensure they thrive. To enhance the cooling effects even further, some projects will include strategies like removing heat-absorbing surfaces and painting dark surfaces with lighter colors.
'Investing in green spaces is vital for the health and well-being of our residents,' said Governor Maura Healey. 'By planting trees and creating more parks, we ensure that everyone – especially those in environmental justice communities – has access to cleaner air and a better quality of life.'
'Adding more trees to our neighborhoods goes beyond just making our streets look nicer – it's about ensuring our communities are cooler and more comfortable for everyone,' said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 'By focusing on tree planting along our walking routes, we're taking meaningful steps to reduce heat and create welcoming spaces for families to come together.'
'Trees are among our best allies in combating extreme heat,' said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. 'A healthy tree canopy beautifies our neighborhoods and enhances energy efficiency during the hottest months of the year. Each tree planted is an investment in the health of our communities and our future.'
The Cooling Corridors grant program is made possible through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' (EEA) Division of Conservation Services. Below is a list of the grantees and the projects:
Grantee
Project
Award
Town of Arlington
This project will plant 200 trees in the EJ neighborhoods of East Arlington and Arlington Center, including along the Broadway corridor. Arlington will also pilot a cooling initiative at one current 'hot spot', painting the roadway of an intersection with reflective paint.
$125,000
Tree Eastie Inc.
This project will plant 30 new trees in East Boston's Memorial Park, provide tree care for 250 recently planted trees in the neighborhood, and conduct neighborhood outreach about tree planting and tree care. East Boston is an entirely EJ neighborhood with the lowest tree canopy cover in the Metro-Boston area.
$47,300
Town of Chelmsford
This project will plant 25 new trees in Chelmsford's dog park, which is one of the community's busiest parks.
$31,750
City of Everett
This project will install 75 new tree pits, which includes the removal of impervious surfaces, and the planting of trees in the new pits. Trees will be located in known urban heat 'hot spots', prioritizing residential areas.
$150,000
City of Greenfield
This grant will be used to plant 71 trees in an Environmental Justice neighborhood with very low canopy cover and numerous community institutions (school, medical center, church), implemented in partnership with the Greenfield Tree Committee. The City will also purchase 60 tree whips to be planted in the Greenfield Tree Committee's nursery, to be planted later in EJ neighborhoods.
$117,903
City of Malden
Malden will create 130 new tree pits, in addition to removing impervious surfaces in many locations. Trees will later be planted in the new pits by DCR's Greening the Gateway Cities program.
$150,000
City of Pittsfield
Pittsfield will plant 40 native shade trees in a middle-income neighborhood outside of their Greening the Gateway Cities area, which has few street trees.
$68,500
City of Salem
Salem will replace dead and dying trees with new trees as well as plant some trees in new locations, with a total of 99 trees planted. Salem will also be installing a porous surface around the trees.
$150,000
Town of Sandwich
Sandwich will plant 60 new trees along Town Neck Road, a dense neighborhood with minimal tree canopy.
$50,000
Town of South Hadley
South Hadley will distribute 300 bare root trees to residents in environmental justice and other prioritized neighborhoods. The town will sign MOUs with the homeowners to ensure watering and maintenance and will require that trees be planted in front or side yards to maximize community benefit.
$55,120
Town of Swampscott
Swampscott will plant 52 new trees along walking routes and in known hotspots. Swampscott will also remove some impervious surface for planting near the middle school and the commuter rail station.
$95,201.40
Town of Swansea
Swansea will plant 47 new trees in community gathering places, including the senior center, a park, and the town beach.
$100,073
City of Watertown
Watertown will plant 110 trees in Environmental Justice neighborhoods throughout the city.
$100,000
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