We’re excited to introduce our six new Resident Tree Ambassadors who will be engaging the Chelsea, Everett, and Somerville communities with tree planting and care.
This cohort of ambassadors are working with MyRWA and our partner organizations, GreenRoots, Everett Community Growers, Green & Open Somerville, Green Cambridge, and Speak for the Trees as part of a 5-year project: Cooling Urban Heat Islands through Urban Forestry. Thank you to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the United States Forest Service (USFS) for supporting this important work.
Look out for these ambassadors in your neighborhood and for upcoming opportunities to plant trees!
Raymond gomez | chelsea tree ambassador
I’m passionate about advocating for a more livable and equitable community for everyone. The promotion of community green spaces, planting trees to enhance the tree canopy, and educating community members on the vital role trees play in improving public health are small but tangible steps we can take to improve well-being. As a tree ambassador, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for our natural environment and inspire others to contribute to a healthier, greener future.
Maritza Perez | chelsea tree ambassador
Mi nombre es Maritza , soy de Guatemala. Me gusta conocer el proceso de cuidado de los árboles ya que los árboles son una fuente importante en la vida de todo ser vivo porque nos brindan protección del sol , de los vientos, mejorar el calentamiento, nos dan oxígeno para que tengamos un aire con menos contaminación y a la vez podamos respirar un aire mejor y gozar de una buena salud.
Amelia Mcnally | Everett Tree ambassador
I’m Amelia Mcnally. I’m a student at Everett High school, specializing in stem. Being a lifelong Everett resident, I see the many environmental struggles we face. We can and should do more to educate and empower our citizens to be environmental activists themselves. As we all know, green space is fundamental for a successful community. I look forward to seeing the day when our residents feel connected by a common desire for trees.
Grisnel Pena | Everett Tree ambassador
I’m a student who loves helping my community and taking care of the environment. I enjoy baking and going on hikes with my dog, Nova. Being a Tree Ambassador has made me care even more about trees and how they help our world. I think that planting trees and making green spaces makes everyone happier. I’m excited to keep working to make my neighborhood a better place!
Allison Bernard | Somerville Tree ambassador
Growing up in Georgia, I learned early on to have an appreciation for the shade of trees and the person who planted them decades before I enjoyed them. I am motivated by the legacy of planting long-lived trees for future generations. I am also passionate about a net zero emission economy and proud of my city of Somerville’s carbon negative pledge; and I recognize that trees are our best technology for carbon sequestration. I started my formal tree training in the Chicago public parks as a certified TreeKeeper, and since moving to Massachusetts in 2020, now serve as a Newton Tree Conservancy Board Member, Somerville Urban Forestry Committee Associate Member, and Somerville Miyawaki Forest Site Lead.
Jennifer Clifford | Somerville Tree ambassador
A thriving, robust ecosystem is crucial for our future well-being. Planting trees and creating green space is an important foundational piece in achieving our goals of creating resilient communities in the face of a changing climate. I am passionate about using my knowledge of plant science to support local efforts aimed at nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and ecological restoration. Together, we can create a powerful change in our landscape. It is important to me to listen to, and work with, communities so that all residents can live in a healthier city.
Questions about this project or want to get in touch with your community’s tree ambassador? Reach out to Project Manager Karina Ramos at karina.ramos@mysticriver.org.
