For Immediate Release - April 2, 2025
City of Northampton Celebrates Earth Day and Arbor Day with Tree Plantings, Tree Whip Giveaway, and Setback Tree Program
NORTHAMPTON - In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Northampton, along with the Department of Public Works, Northampton Public Schools, the Northampton Urban Forestry Commission, volunteers from Tree Northampton, and the Northampton Rotary Club will be planting 28 trees at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Middle School in Florence. The event will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m.
In celebration of Arbor Day, please join us for the 22nd Annual Arbor Day Tree Whip Giveaway in front of City Hall. The event will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All members of the community are welcome to participate in this annual event. The city will provide 700 free tree whips for residents to plant on private property. Volunteers from Tree Northampton will staff the event and provide illustrated tree fact sheets specific to each species offered, together with tree planting and care information. Participants can choose from seven tree species, including Eastern Redbud, Paw Paw, American Sweetgum, Dawn Redwood, Holly Winterberry, Serbian Spruce, and Swamp White Oak.
Planting trees at JFK and tree whips citywide will provide numerous ecological benefits, including preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, improving air and water quality, and enhancing ecosystem resilience, ultimately ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
“I am incredibly grateful for the hard work of our Tree Warden, Rich Parailiti, along with the organizations and volunteers committed to the health of our urban tree canopy,” shared Mayor Sciarra. “Their contributions to our local ecosystem cannot be overstated, and in the face of the climate crisis, we need them now more than ever. I am so thankful for their dedication to our collective future.”
Residents can further improve the city’s tree canopy by requesting a Setback Tree Planting. The trees are available through the City of Northampton’s Setback Planting Initiative. Residents can host a Setback Tree on their property within 20 feet of the public right-of-way. Planting Setback Trees is encouraged where tree belts are narrow or nonexistent, especially in our most vulnerable urban heat island areas. Setback locations provide increased soil volume for roots to grow strong, which helps trees achieve better health and increased longevity. Setback trees are provided by the city and planted by volunteers. For more information, please follow the link provided: https://northamptonma.gov/1809
For additional information, contact Rich Parasiliti, Jr., Tree Warden, at 413-587-1570 Ext. 4317.
Press Release (pdf)
