EXPANDING OUR TREE CANOPY
MyRWA is working with cities and towns to establish a healthy and diverse urban tree canopy.
Maps of the watershed depicting % Tree Canopy Cover (left) and air temperature (right). To view the data in more detail, click here.
Tree cover is not even across our watershed. Environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods have less tree cover and consequently experience higher air temperatures.
In addition to shade and cooling, a mature tree:
Reduces energy usage and related cooling and heating costs
Increases carbon sequestration
Improves air quality through pollution absorption.
Enhances stormwater management (reduced runoff).
Increases property values.
Improves public health and well-being (reduced stress, improved mental health).
Increases biodiversity and wildlife habitat creation
Progress
To date, MyRWA and our partners have helped get 3500+ new trees in the watershed!
A fir sapling is planted as part of a forested wetland restoration at Gateway Park in Everett. Credit: Irka Perez
Delivering bare root trees as part of a TreesMedford resident giveaway. Credit: Daria Santollani
Resident Tree Ambassadors and City of Chelsea staff pose like trees next to newly planted trees at Malone Park. Credit: Daria Santollani
Projects
PLANTING ON PUBLIC LAND
We are working with municipal tree wardens to plant new street and park trees in Chelsea, Somerville, Everett, Medford, and Malden. We also aim to add capacity to municipal tree plans through promoting public support in watering, identifying trees that are not doing well, and seeking funding opportunities for new trees.
TREES FOR RESIDENTS
We are helping to get trees to residents living on the hottest streets in the watershed. A team of six Resident Tree Ambassadors have joined us to help distribute 180 trees to Somerville, Everett, and Chelsea residents over the next five years. Meet the Tree Ambassadors here! Additionally, we support TreesMedford with spring and fall resident tree giveaways. Subscribe to TreesMedford to hear about the next opportunity to request a free tree!
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
MyRWA and our partners are working to share urban tree canopy best practices watershed-wide. Check our calendar for upcoming workshops to learn about tree planting, tree care, assessing tree health, and more!
Resources
How to Plant a Bare Root Tree Video
Tree List & Planting Guidelines, developed by the Malden Tree Warden and the Office of Mayor Gary Christenson
Caring for Your New Bare Root Tree
Watershed-friendly Landscaping Guide
Get Involved
Events
Tree Planting and Care 101 Workshop with MyRWA, TreesMedford, and Malden Tree Warden Chris Rosa | March 12th, 2025 | 6:30-7:30PM | Details & Registration
Coming soon — we are planning multiple tree planting days this April and May. Subscribe to our enewsletter to get volunteer signups in your inbox!
Check back for more events and volunteer opportunities and please help us spread the word about ways to get involved in expanding our urban tree canopy!
CURRENT REQUEST A TREE OPPORTUNITIES
Chelsea, Somerville, Everett Residents — MyRWA Request Form (priority deadline: February 28th, 2025)
Medford Residents — TreesMedford Request Form (Spring 2025 Giveaway)
Cambridge Residents — Green Cambridge Canopy Crew Tree Recipient Interest Form (rolling)
Malden & Revere Residents — Greening the Gateway Cities MA Urban Canopy Project (rolling)
Adopt A City Tree
Many cities and towns in the watershed have adopt-a-tree programs. The more people we have looking out for the trees on their street, the healthier and stronger our urban tree canopies will be. Click on a city or town below to learn more:
Arlington | Belmont | Boston (Charlestown & East Boston) | Cambridge | Chelsea | Lexington | Medford | Melrose | Somerville | Winthrop
