YouthBuild Fall River AmeriCorps ; Environmental Stewardship

The Fall River Street Tree Planting Program is transforming the way Fall River looks at one of its most forsaken resources: Trees. A city of almost ninety thousand, Fall River mills and industry takes up much of the natual environment. Because of this industry, Fall River suffers from some of the worst air quality in the state of Massachusetts. With the service of YouthBuild Fall River AmeriCorps members, 315 trees are being planted all around the city. These trees offer the city some much needed asthetic appeal, help raise property values, and reduce energy costs through shade utilization. The trees will also help offset the bouts of strong weather, particularly issues with flooding, by helping to drain excess water from the streets. At the center of this project is the urban tree farm that turned an ugly, abandoned lot into a beautiful, meaningful space. YouthBuild AmeriCorps members built the 120 by 130 raised foot bed that houses these trees, planted the trees themselves, and even constructed a shed for all materials needed for the project. Moving forward, the city will engage AmeriCorps alumni, business partners, and citizen volunteers in the upkeep and management of the tree farm through an innovative Adopt-A-Tree program. (See attached narrative and two local news articles for more information).

There's still much work to do, laying mulch and keeping up with the tree's needs but YouthBuild Fall River AmeriCorps members will be there, getting things done when it comes to preserving our environment!