State Awards Nearly $632,000 to Plant Trees Across Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced nearly $632,000 in grants from the Cooling Corridors program, which focuses on planting trees within identified hotspots, along popular walking routes, and in Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods across Massachusetts.

Managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Division of Conservation Services, the funding will support projects in eight municipalities proposed by four communities and four nonprofit organizations. The goal is to increase tree canopy and lessen the health impacts of extreme heat, while creating cooler, safer spaces for residents.

Only one of those projects is earmarked for Western Mass. The city of Greenfield will receive a $95,240 grant to plant and maintain 40 new trees and remove 1,200 square feet of impervious surfaces along walking routes in EJ neighborhoods and identified hotspots.

The Cooling Corridors program prioritizes planting trees within identified hotspots, EJ neighborhoods, and along walking routes that connect residents to community resources such as schools, transit stops, healthcare providers, and senior centers. This initiative is also a core piece of Gov. Maura Healey’s recently proposed Mass Ready Act, which includes $30 million to further invest in forestry and tree planting across communities.

“Each tree planted is an investment in the health and safety of our communities,” EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper said. “The Cooling Corridors program offers municipalities and nonprofits an opportunity to transform their neighborhoods into enjoyable cooling spaces that can be appreciated for generations to come.”