On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the City of Lowell, in partnership with Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Greening the Gateway Cities Program celebrated Arbor Day*. A ceremonial tree planting was held at UMass Lowell's South Campus, and highlighted the planting of 23 trees as part of the school's new role as a certified arboretum.
Vice Mayor Erik Gitschier delivered an Arbor Day Proclamation followed by the ceremonial planting of a young Katsura tree at Coburn Hall. The Vice Mayor, alongside UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust Executive Director Jane Calvin, and other members of UMass Lowell and the community participated in depositing the final shovelfuls of soil.
This celebration was preceded by the planting of six trees by the City of Lowell Parks Department in various locations throughout the City, as follows:
- Pawtucketville - Dr. An Wang Middle School: American Elm
- Centralville - Gage Park: London Plane Tree
- Highlands - Hadley Park: Fastigiate Hornbeam
- Belvidere - Peter W. Reilly School: White Oak
- Lower Highlands - Charles W. Morey Elementary School: Honeylocust
- Sacred Heart - John J. Shaughnessey School: Bald Cypress
These locations were carefully selected by the Department of Planning and Development with input on location and species provided by DCR in an effort to expand access to and enjoyment of trees to as many people as possible. The Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust donated the trees and continues to be an important partner in urban forestry to the City of Lowell.
City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr., said, "Planting trees ensures the health of the community. Trees provide canopy cover, ecological diversity, and relieve the impact of urban heat islands throughout the city. Lowell takes pride in being a designated Tree City USA, and we will continue to look for more opportunities to plant trees in each neighborhood for residents to enjoy."
The City of Lowell is celebrating its 26th year as a Tree City USA, a designation received from the Arbor Day Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Lowell seeks to utilize its Tree City USA status to ensure the urban forest is diverse, healthy, and available for the enjoyment of generations to come.
*Arbor Day is typically celebrated on the last Friday in April, but was officially recognized this year on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.