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UEI's CityRoots program is an innovative, community-driven approach to urban forestry that provides residents of Greater Boston's underserved neighborhoods the opportunity to take action on the most serious issues facing their community, and bring about meaningful change through hands-on urban forestry projects. After five years of successful projects, CityRoots has worked with over 200 residents to plant 137 trees in the Greater Boston area. The neighborhoods CityRoots focuses on are disproportionately lacking in street trees and parks, and shoulder a disproportionate amount of environmental burden for the surrounding region. CityRoots turns tree planting into a community-building activity; it brings the health and ecological benefits of trees to the neighborhood while strengthening social bonds and fostering environmental stewardship. Community groups apply to the program in the Spring with a site in mind - groups selected receive a small grant for materials, and work with Community Foresters to grow the group through outreach, select appropriate species, plant along streets, in local parks and other public spaces, and celebrate their accomplishments. Through this process, CityRoots ensures the urban forest is well cared for and helps community groups achieve their goals.
After participating in the CityRoots program for at least one summer, groups are eligible to apply for CityRoots Celebrations Grants which are offered to encourage and further the neighborhood-building benefits of the CityRoots program. Specifically, the Celebrations Grants fund barbecues, concerts and other cultural projects that invite the members of a neighborhood to spend time at the CityRoots site they've worked so hard to beautify. All CityRoots groups, past and present, are eligible to apply.
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