BERNARDSTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — In celebration of Arbor Day, the Department of Conservation and Recreation announced $150,000 in grants to expand tree canopy cover. The town of Bernardston was one of the seven recipients, receiving $7,000.
From the Department of Conservation and Recreation on this grant:
“This funding will be used for tree planting and preservation, community engagement and education, developing a forestry workforce, and revitalizing collaborative and community-based management plans of these urban forests. A healthy tree canopy is proven to strengthen resilience to extreme heat, storm-induced flooding, and other climate impacts. Overall, expanding the urban tree canopy positively impacts the lives of those living and working in a community by improving air quality, reducing energy use by keeping homes cool in the summer with shade and warm in the winter by breaking up wind, and providing habitat for local birds and wildlife.”