First Energy Savings Trees Planted

Nurserymen from Central Nurseries plant a new tree in East Forest Park.

On Wednesday, July 25th, the first of over 600 new mature trees were planted by Regreen Springfield and the City of Springfield, in the yards of residents living  in Springfield’s tornado impacted neighborhoods.  40 trees were planted on day one of this effort, and all trees are expected to be installed by August 20th.  This is the first opportunity for trees to be planted on private parcels following the storm, and it will go a long way to assist in the regreening of the impacted neighborhoods.  The trees are all being placed

A Hudson Street resident and her new tree.

in locations that will maximize shading on homes, in order to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the homes in the summer.  It is estimated that in 5 years, these trees will reduce summer cooling costs by up to 30% annually.

Funding for this initiative is made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with additional support provided by the Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and Rebuild Western Massachusetts.

Posted in East Forest Park, Forest Park, Home, McKnight, NEWS, Old Hill, Six Corners, Sixteen Acres, South End, Upper Hill | Leave a comment

Smith & Wesson Donates $50,000 to Plant Trees

Smith & Wesson, a leader in firearm manufacturing and a Springfield, MA resident since 1852, announced on June 1st, that it has donated $50,000 to ReGreen Springfield, Inc., and organization dedicated to restoring the urban forest tree canopy that was devastated in the tornado of June 2011.

Speaking at a tree planting ceremony on Druid Hill Road, and surrounded by neighborhood residents, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said, “Thanks to the generosity of Smith & Wesson, a company that has made the largest contribution to date in our city’s ReGreen efforts, up to 200 trees will be planted throughout Springfield to help restore our urban canopy. We are confident that the support of companies in our business community, like Smith & Wesson, combined with the efforts of our citizens, will allow Springfield to reclaim its rightful title as the ‘City of Trees.’”

At the tree planting event, Smith & Wesson President and CEO, James Debney, said, “As a resident of Springfield for over 160 years, we have a deep attachment to our community through the environment that we share with so many of our employees and each citizen of Springfield. The trees are an important element of Springfield’s beauty, and we are proud to support the tremendous re-planting work being done by ReGreen Springfield.”

Attorney Timothy Ryan, President of ReGreen Springfield, Inc., said, “Our program would not be possible without the support of companies like Smith & Wesson. Their contribution will help us to re-green Springfield one tree at a time.”

Posted in Home, NEWS, Sixteen Acres, Uncategorized | Leave a comment