Mass. DCR awards thousands of dollars in grants to expand and protect urban forests

BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that in honor of Arbor Day, it has awarded over $150,000 in grants to organizations, including multiple in western Mass., to expand the urban tree canopy across the state.
These grants were awarded to ten municipalities and nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth and will be used to create, expand, and protect urban forests. The DCR said this will positively impact the environment, public health, and energy efficiency of the communities affected by these grants.
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'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.'
Funding will be used for a wide array of programs and activities in the state, including tree planting and preservation, community engagement and education, and revitalizing community-based management plans of existing urban forests.
The DCR said that a healthy tree canopy has been proven to strengthen resilience to extreme heat, storm-induced flooding, and other conditions related to climate change. It can improve air quality and continue to provide a lush and healthy habitat for local birds and other wildlife.
'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.'
The following towns and organizations received funding through the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant:
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
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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