In collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Urban and Community Forestry Program, the City of Malden is participating in the Greening of the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP). This program was created with a goal to increase the number of trees planted in urban residential areas of the Massachusetts Gateway Cities. It’s also designed to reduce household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree canopy cover in urban residential areas, while improving the aesthetic appearance of these neighborhoods.

The program targets the parts of Malden that have lower tree canopy, older housing stock, higher wind speeds, and a larger renter population. In addition, the plantings will be concentrated in Environmental Justice neighborhoods. The plan is to plant approximately 2,400 trees over a three-year period. 

To be eligible for this program’s benefits, the Malden home or business must be located within the designated DCR planting zone. Residents who sign up to take part in the greening initiative receive advice on what type of tree or trees would be best for the property along with instructions on how to tend to the saplings on their way to becoming mature trees. Easy care instructions are provided by that address watering, mulching and pruning. Foresters also conduct year-round site visits and are available to answer questions.

An informational session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16th, 5:30 PM at City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Room 105.  Residents can also join remotely with the following information: 

Zoom Webinar Id: 950 5080 6173 
Passcode: 940757   

For more information about the program see https://www.maurbancanopy.org/ or call 617-826-5723.