Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Hogan Announce $13,750 DCR Urban Forestry Grant to Maynard Tree Committee
DCR’s Arbor Day grants will improve quality of life by creating, expanding, and protecting urban forests across Massachusetts.
BOSTON – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D- Marlborough) and Representative Kate Hogan (D-Maynard) announce a $13,750 grant to establish an educational tree allée and grove along the Assabet River Rail Trail. Maynard is one of ten municipalities and nonprofit organizations benefiting from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Urban Forestry Grant.
The Maynard Tree Committee is a local advisory group dedicated to promoting healthy and diverse tree growth within the town. Its duties include advising the tree warden, facilitating surveys, and consulting on town by-laws and projects. The Committee plans to use funding for the construction of “Maynard’s Teaching Allée.” A tree allée is a straight path or roadway lined on both sides with evenly spaced trees.The purpose of an allée is usually aesthetic and practical, like providing shade or framing a view (often leading to a building, garden, or important landmark). The trees are often of the same species and age to create a uniform, symmetrical look. The project will advance local beautification, climate resiliency, and community education within Maynard.
“This support will allow the Maynard Tree Committee to build upon a commitment to environmentalism and community engagement” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge. “I am grateful to the DCR Commissioner Arrigo, EOEEA Secretary Tepper and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support of local conservation efforts. Not only will it expand our green spaces in Maynard, but it will also advance the Commonwealth’s environmental priorities.”
"Congratulations to the Maynard Tree Committee for being one of ten groups to successfully secure this grant funding. The tree allée is an exciting attraction that is sure to draw even more visitors to the Assabet River Rail Trail, where they can learn and experience first-hand the value of trees in our environment. We appreciate EOEEA Secretary Tepper, DCR Commissioner Arrigo, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for providing our communities with the means to plant new trees and create green spaces that benefit everyone,” said State Representative Kate Hogan.
To coincide with Arbor Day celebrations on April 25, the DCR announced $150,000 in total grants to support urban forests throughout Massachusetts. The program boasts both public health and environmental benefits for the communities that it contributes to. Through grant funding, forestry and community education initiatives are expanded. New groves also protect against climate change by creating shade areas to combat excessive heat, mitigating flooding, and breaking up wind. They also provide habitats for local birds and wildlife.
