The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Greening the Gateways Tree Planting Program recently announced the award of $1.5 million dollars in funding to the City of Springfield to plant trees in the McKnight, Old Hill and Upper Hill neighborhoods. Free trees will be planted in the yards of residents throughout these neighborhoods. The funding will be released over a three-year period. Regreen Springfield will play an active role in the program by providing community outreach to residents living in these areas.
The Greening the Gateway Cities program is designed to bring energy efficiency and environmental benefits of a healthy tree canopy to Gateway Cities – former industrial cities in Massachusetts for targeted redevelopment efforts. To date, over 8,000 trees have been planted throughout 13 Gateway Cities. Springfield is the latest city join in this effort.
Along with higher energy efficiency, Gateway Cities will see benefits such as:
- A reduction in storm water runoff;
- Better air quality;
- An increase in property values and tax receipts;
- Increase the urban tree canopy 5-10% in select neighborhoods in Springfield in order to reduce heating and cooling costs and improve health and safety for residents.
To learn more about the program, and to see if you are eligible to receive a free tree for your yard, visit www.shademyhome.org
