100 Trees Coming To Worcester Neighborhoods From Botanic Garden

WORCESTER, MA — State officials announced a new round of grants this week aimed at greening local cities, and Worcester will get about $70,000 for a tree-planting effort.

The "Greening the Gateway Cities" program supports tree plantings in cities across the state, and has so far put 35,000 trees in the ground to "reduce energy use, reduce flooding from stormwater runoff, and improve the quality of life."

The lack of trees in some of the city's densest neighborhoods has been a major issue this summer, with less tree-covered neighborhoods registering higher temperatures during heat waves. The city this summer also launched a survey about urban trees as part of the development of the urban forestry master plan.

The state grant will give the New England Botanic Garden (formerly the Towner Hill Botanic Garden) $70,559 to plant about 100 trees in the Main South, Bell Hill and Grafton Hill neighborhoods, according to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“Our Gateway Cities are at the forefront of climate change and are among the most vulnerable communities in the Commonwealth,” DCR Commissioner Doug Rice said in a news release. “Importantly, the Greening the Gateway Cities Program provides a vital tool to make these areas more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat.”