The Worcester Tree Initiative has started a new fundraising campaign following an unexpected legislative allocation announced by Senator Harriette Chandler and Representative James O'Day.
WORCESTER – The initiative to help replant trees in Worcester has received an unexpected boost – a $50,000 allocation from the state to be used toward reforestation efforts after the Asian longhorned beetle infestation.
The allocation was announced Friday by Sen. Harriette Chandler and Rep. Jim O’Day.
Grill on the Hill will host a Worcester Tree Initiative fundraiser on Oct. 14. The money comes after 4,000 more infested trees were removed in areas around Green Hill Park in Worcester, as well as portions of Shrewsbury and Boylston, due to infestation.
“The loss of so many trees and acres of woodland in Worcester has resulted in significant ecological and sociological impacts and I am proud to support WTI in its reforestation efforts,” Chandler said.
O’Day said the money “is one small way that we are taking responsibility for the health of our urban forests in light of the infestation.”
Among the recipients of the money will be the Worcester Tree Initiative (WTI), a non-profit group started in the wake of the beetle infestation. Last year, the WTI planted it’s 30,000th replacement tree, a press release notes.
Ruth Seward, the initiative’s executive director, said the group is planning on planting 4,000 new trees over the next three years. This allocation will help cover costs of planting the first 500 new trees, conducting ongoing tree maintenance and building a stewardship program with the schools and community, Seward said. But, more is still needed.
“In staying true to our original mission of replacing each and every tree lost, we are asking for financial help and participation in this effort,” Seward said.
To kick off what is being described as an unexpected phase of the group’s urban forest renewal efforts, it has scheduled a fundraiser, the “Fall Tree Fest,” at the Grill on the Hill, 1929 Skyline Drive (in Green Hill Park), on Oct. 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Requested donations are $25.
The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and will be attended by WTI co-founders Congressman James McGovern and Timothy Murray, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The fundraising campaign will also feature a social media component to track progress, the press release states. WTI is asking residents, businesses and organizations to post and share photos of trees they have planted, or trees near their home or workplace that people appreciate. The hash tag for the campaign will be #MYSTREETMYTREE.
Source: MassLive Worcester http://masslive.com/news/worcester
