Massachusetts Is Planting Thousands of Trees in New Bedford

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is on a mission. The state is planting thousands of trees in gateway cities, including New Bedford. It's part of the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.

The initiative is a joint effort of the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The program aims to "reduce household heating and cooling energy by increasing tree canopy cover in urban residential areas."

Mass.gov says, "A healthy urban forest ecosystem improves the quality of the water we drink, the air we breathe, the stability of our neighborhoods, and our sense of community and individual pride."

Get our free mobile app

The state hires folks to plant trees in their local communities "in target neighborhoods to increase tree canopy cover for environmental and energy efficiency benefits."

The Greening the Gateway Cities Program hopes to plant 2,400 trees in New Bedford. Only about 1,697 trees have been planted to date. Fall River and Taunton are also "target areas" of the program.

To request a tree for your property or to learn more about the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, call 617-626-1571.

The state has exceeded its goal of 2,400 trees in Fall River, with 3,000 trees planted. The program is far from its goal in Taunton, with only 465 trees planted. The goal is 2,400 trees.

Mass.gov says, "Tree planting laborer opportunities are available for the spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) planting seasons.

For more information, contact Kelly Meiler at (508) 6880889, Kelly.meiler@mass.gov.