Worcester Tree Initiative:
an Independent Program of Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Our Mission: Rebuilding Worcester County's Community Forests

Our organization exists to grow, care for, and protect Worcester County's urban and town forests. Our community based approach includes education, training, tree planting, and long term monitoring and care to achieve significant improvements to the environment and to the quality of life in our cities and towns. 

For more information read Our Story.

Free Trees!! May 24, 2018

We're pleased to announce that we have a free tree giveaway planned for Thursday, May 24th, 2018, from 5:30-7pm. All residents of the Worcester Area are welcome to request up to 2 trees. Pre-registration is required and all requests are subject to approval by WTI staff. Registration closes May 14th and spots are limited so register quickly!

New Blog: Preserving and Creating Green Space

Why do we need urban green spaces?  A new study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences addressed that question from a scientific and evidence-based perspective. It pointed out that the percentage of people living in urban centers is expected to increase from 50% in 2010 to nearly 70% by 2050, resulting in what the study calls densification. It goes on to say: “As migration to urban areas is ongoing globally, the need for sustainable urban development is becoming increasingly important. In an urban context this implies creation of both resource efficient systems and good, engaging urban design for attractive cities with good quality of life."

It Takes a City to Build a Forest

Growing an urban forest is hard work. Lack of space, poor growing conditions, and damage done by people, both accidentally and intentionally, make cities and towns tough places to grow trees, but in our view, it's not optional. We wouldn't want to live in a city without trees and we doubt you would either.

That's why we're asking you to consider supporting our efforts. We work to rebuild Worcester's urban forest and ensure that it is healthy, well cared for, and equitably distributed. We need your help to ensure that this work is carried out. You can do this in a lot of ways, from volunteering to donating; learn more by clicking below.

Steering Committee

Founders:

Congressman Jim McGovern
Tim Murray; President/CEO, Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce 
Co-Chairs:   

Mary Knittle
State Representative Jim O'Day  
Jordan Levy  
Members:
Paul Belsito
Deb Cary
Senate President Harriette Chandler
Andy Davis
Margaret Doyle
Grace Elton, CEO, Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Tony Enonomou
Steve Fischer
Allen Fletcher
School Committee Member Jack Foley
Margaret Guzman
Robyn Kennedy
State Senator Michael Moore
Paul Moosey, Commissioner, Dept. of Public Works, Worcester
Marie Morse
​Colin Novick
Joe O'Brien
Selectman Ken O'Brien
Kevin O'Sullivan
Chris Philbin
Kathleen Polanowicz 
Selectman Chris Rucho
City Councilor Matthew Wally

Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors
You can see the whole list on our Partners and Sponsors page. 
Worcester Tree Initiative. An Independent Program of Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
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