Salem, Swampscott Awarded Nearly $250K In State Grants For New Trees

SALEM, MA — Salem and Swampscott will share nearly $250,000 of the $1.3 million awarded statewide as part of the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs "Cooling Corridors" program designed to increase the tree canopy in urban and environmental justice communities.

Salem was awarded $150,000 to replace dead and dying trees with new trees as well as plant some trees in new locations, with a total of 99 trees planted. Salem will also be installing a porous surface around the trees.

Swampscott was awarded $95,201 to plant 52 new trees along walking routes and in known hotspots. Swampscott will also remove some impervious surface for planting near the middle school and the commuter rail station.

"Investing in green spaces is vital for the health and well-being of our residents," Gov. Maura Healey said. "By planting trees and creating more parks, we ensure that everyone — especially those in environmental justice communities — has access to cleaner air and a better quality of life."

In neighborhoods that experience high summer temperatures, establishing tree cover, including small groups of trees known as micro-forests, can significantly help reduce heat-related health issues, particularly in EJ populations that are often more vulnerable to extreme heat, the Healey-Driscoll Administration said. In high-density urban areas, just five trees planted per acre can benefit
15 to 25 households.

The grantees receiving these grants will also take care of the newly planted trees for two years to ensure they thrive.

"Adding more trees to our neighborhoods goes beyond just making our streets look nicer — it's about ensuring our communities are cooler and more comfortable for everyone," Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. "By focusing on tree planting along our walking routes, we're taking meaningful steps to reduce heat and create welcoming spaces for families to come together."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)