Town of Swansea Announces State-Funded Tree Planting Program is About to Take Root

The Town of Swansea has received more than $100,000 to plant new trees, including swamp white oaks, like the one seen here. (Photo Courtesy Town of Swansea) 

SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Town Planner Christopher C. Parayno are excited to announce that the Town is the proud recipient of $100,073 to plant approximately 47 new trees.

“These funds will pay for trees to be planted in community spaces in town, to water and maintain the newly planted trees for the first two years, and provide tree stewardship training to any interested parties,” said Assistant Town Administrator/Community Development Director John P. Hansen Jr.

The Town of Swansea will plant approximately 47 new trees in community gathering places, including the Senior and Community Center, a park, and the Town Beach. The Town plans to begin work immediately.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced over $1.3 million in grants from the Cooling Corridors program, which focuses on planting trees along popular walking routes and in environmental justice neighborhoods across Massachusetts.

The funding, through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Division of Conservation Services, will go to 13 municipalities (including Swansea) and one nonprofit organization. The initiative is aimed at helping to combat the rising heat residents are experiencing due to climate change.

“Investing in green spaces is vital for the health and well-being of our residents,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “By planting trees and creating more parks, we ensure that everyone — especially those in environmental justice communities — has access to cleaner air and a better quality of life.”

The statewide program prioritizes planting trees in environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods — communities that often face more environmental challenges — and along paths that connect people to important places like schools, health care providers, and senior centers.

“Adding more trees to our neighborhoods goes beyond just making our streets look nicer — it’s about ensuring our communities are cooler and more comfortable for everyone,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “By focusing on tree planting along our walking routes, we’re taking meaningful steps to reduce heat and create welcoming spaces for families to come together.” 

The Cooling Corridors grant program aims to create cooler and more enjoyable spaces for walking and gathering by planting trees that offer shade. The grantees will also care for the newly planted trees for two years to ensure they thrive.

“Trees are among our best allies in combating extreme heat,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “A healthy tree canopy beautifies our neighborhoods and enhances energy efficiency during the hottest months of the year. Each tree planted is an investment in the health of our communities and our future.”  

In Swansea, the tree program will further bolster the town’s aesthetic qualities.

“Trees will add to the town’s visual appeal by adding natural beauty,” said Town Planner Parayno. “The tree selections are diverse, bringing varying colors, textures, and seasonal changes. Additionally, well-placed trees will create a sense of place, adding to and enhancing the town’s identity and charm. These trees have the potential to become landmarks within our public gathering places. Most importantly, and a goal of the grant program, trees will provide shade and comfort. Shaded public places are more pleasant to walk, sit, or socialize in.”

The Town of Swansea will purchase a variety of large, native trees that will help fulfill the goals of providing shade and combating the heat island effect.

“The Town will be employing the principle of the right tree in the right place,” said Town Planner Parayno. “We will plant trees in locations that make sense for the given species. Large stature trees will not be planted near powerlines to avoid future conflicts. We will also be paying attention to maintenance.”

For example, workers will avoid planting oak trees near tennis courts or sports facilities since falling acorns can be a nuisance on the playing surface.

Several examples of anticipated new trees about to take root in Swansea include tulip trees, dawn redwood, and swamp white oak.

Most of the new trees will be planted at Memorial Park in Swansea. A few will be planted near the Town Beach and the Swansea Council on Aging. All trees will be planted on Town property.

Prospective Swansea tree-tenders will eventually have the opportunity to sign up for tree stewardship training.

“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the ability to redirect funding into Swansea to plan new trees and increase resiliency in our coastal community,” Town Administrator Aronstein said. “This investment is a crucial step in providing for cleaner air, combating rising temperatures, and celebrating Swansea’s recreational and outdoor spaces.”

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The Town of Swansea has received more than $100,000 to plant new trees, including dawn redwood, shown here. (Photo Courtesy Town of Swansea) 

The Town of Swansea has received more than $100,000 to plant new trees, including tulip trees, shown here. (Photo Courtesy Town of Swansea)