Boston Celebrates Arbor Day With Events Across the City

Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 after it was proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture by J. Sterling Morton. It has since spread to become an international celebration in recognition of the importance of trees. In Massachusetts, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and is a great way to celebrate spring by planting trees to help build our urban forest canopy with all of its benefits for the community. These benefits range from filtering air pollutants and moderating local climate, to storing stormwater and reducing run-off. The Urban Forestry Division of the Parks Department celebrated by collaborating with numerous partners and volunteer groups to stage three separate events across the city.

There are now 10 new trees gracing the Emerald Necklace near the Fenway Victory Gardens thanks to the efforts of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and their legions of volunteers. These include 6 flowering dogwoods and 2 crabapple trees to dazzle passersby with colorful flowers each spring. The last two trees were hybrid elms, relatives of the native American elm, which is the state tree of Massachusetts.

A group of enthusiastic volunteers worked at the Dr. Loesch Family Park in Dorchester with our non-profit partner, Speak for the Trees. This group added 12 new trees to the park after listening to the local neighbors saying they wanted smaller-growing flowering trees to complement the tall shade trees already at the park. They will not be disappointed with the Okame cherry, cucumber magnolia and flowering serviceberry that are now dispersed throughout the park.

Finally, four oak trees were planted on the Liberty Mall section of the Boston Common near Park Street. These trees will mature into tall, stately specimens providing shade and beauty as they look over the activities in the park for generations to come.

Below are pictures from the Emerald Necklace event, then Dr. Loesch Family Park.