City of Medford awarded $20,000 grant for Trees

MEDFORD: Mayor Stephanie M. Burke is pleased to announce that the City of Medford has been awarded $20,000 for the Medford Canopy Improvement Initiative. Grants were awarded to fourteen municipalities, amounts ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

 “I’m grateful to the Medford Tree Advocacy Group (MTAG) for taking the initiative and applying for this grant. Increasing the tree canopy in our City will greatly assist us in reaching our sustainability goals,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke.

 This grant will allow Medford’s tree canopy to grow by 25% in 2019. The trees purchased from the grant will allow the City to plant new trees in places where the tree inventory is significantly lower. Additionally, the funds will contribute to numerous events including but not limited to community tree plantings, interactive events, and educational events.

 "From filtering the air we breathe and absorbing stormwater pollution, to mitigating the urban heat island effect, trees play a key role in protecting and restoring the Mystic River and watershed lands" said Erica Wood, Communications and Outreach Manager at the Mystic River Watershed Association. "We are excited to partner with the City of Medford to increase tree canopy and raise awareness of all ways trees benefit our community."

 "We are so happy to be a part of the successful effort to get more support for improving Medford's tree canopy. These trees will help to improve our lives in so many ways - providing shade, replenishing the spirit, reducing the heat island effect, calming traffic, sequestering carbon - a big win all around,” said the Medford Tree Advocacy Group.