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Who We Are
The Committee on Public Planting has up to 22 members representative of all Cambridge neighborhoods. They are charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout Cambridge. Generally, Committee members have past interest in urban forestry and landscaping and, often, experience in horticulture.
Current Members
| Ahron Lerman Neighborhood Nine |
| Archana Venkataraman Wellington-Harrington |
| Chantal Eide Strawberry Hill |
| Cindy Carpenter Mid-Cambridge |
| Cynthia Smith Mid-Cambridge-Baldwin/Agassiz |
| Gretchen Friesinger |
| Maggie Booz Strawberry Hill |
| Ray Fahrner Cambridgeport |
|
Robb Johnson Cambridgeport |
| Sara Cohen The Port |
| Sophia Emperador North Cambridge |
| Tracy Orr Neighborhood Nine |
What We Do
The Committee’s work includes reviewing public planting plans, advising the City on effective maintenance of public plantings, supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division, and encouraging interest in public plantings across all of Cambridge’s neighborhoods. Their role is to advocate for a strong and healthy urban forest in Cambridge. Committee members also promote community interest and engagement with the urban forest. Committee members advocate for new trees across the city and support Urban Forestry staff by promoting programs related to the urban forest, such as Cambridge Urban Forest Friends and Arbor Week.
When Do We Meet
The Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30-7pm. These meetings are hybrid: in-person at the Department of Public Works and, additionally, on Zoom. The July meeting is a field trip, and August is off.
2025 Meeting Dates (Click the dates to view that meeting's agenda)
January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10
To view the past meeting minutes, click the button above, enter "Public Planting Committee" in the search bar, and select 'Meeting Minutes' from the document type dropdown menu.
For more information about the Committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.
Trees are an important part of life in Cambridge. They line our streets, fill our parks, and grow in our yards and campuses—making our City greener, cooler, and healthier.
In 2024, Cambridge reached an exciting milestone: 30% of the city is now shaded by trees! This goal was set in 2019 to help fight the loss of tree canopy caused by development and climate change.
There’s a lot to celebrate...and still more to do. Join us to learn how the city turned things around, share your own experiences, and tell us what you think our next priorities should be to grow a greener Cambridge for everyone.
View the full meeting flyer here. View the Calendar Entry here!
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