City of Cambridge Celebrates “Arbor Week” April 23-27

Join the Department of Public Works to celebrate “Arbor Week” in the City. This special week is focused on activities and information to promote Cambridge’s Urban Forest and runs from Monday, April 23 through Arbor Day, Friday, April 27.

Monday, April 23 – Members of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division will post information about the benefits of different tree species around MBTA stations and in other high pedestrian traffic areas in the City to inform residents about the benefits our urban canopy brings to the community.

Tuesday, April 24 – City Arborist Dave Lefcourt will be tabling outside of City Hall from 10am-12pm to share information about trees and hand out seedlings and other materials to help inform residents about the important role trees play in the City.

Wednesday, April 25 – City Arborist Dave Lefcourt will lead a “Tree Walk” through Mid-Cambridge which includes a visit to Harvard Yard from 5-7pm. Residents are invited to gather in front of the Main Library to begin this information-packed session on trees and Cambridge’s Urban Forestry program. Free bare root seedling trees will be available. Unfortunately, this event has been CANCELLED due to weather. We hope to reschedule at a later date.

Thursday, April 26 – Public Works will hold an event outside the Main Library from 10am-12pm, weather permitting. Members of the community are invited to come collect information about trees, collect a free seedling, and watch members of the Urban Forestry Division show off their skills in a “tree climbing” demonstration. Librarians will also be on hand to read a tree-themed book to children outside the library at 11am. 

Friday, April 27 – The week wraps up with an Arbor Day tree planting on Friday, April 27 at 10am in Greene-Rose Heritage Park with the Mayor, City Manager, City Arborist, and local students. All are invited to attend.

“Last year was our first Arbor Week celebration, and we’re excited to continue and build upon this new tradition,” said Public Works Commissioner Owen O’Riordan. “To maintain a healthy, vibrant urban forest, it’s essential that the City and its residents do all we can to care for trees year-round.”

Can’t attend these events but still want to get involved? It’s easy to help by participating in the City’s “Adopt-A-Tree” to support street trees and help maintain our urban forest.

The Adopt-A-Tree program lets residents search for a street tree near an address (your home, business, school, etc.) and commit to keeping it healthy by watering it and tending to the tree well.