by William Lefebvre

From the very beginning, Lowell has been a city built on innovation and resourcefulness.

The rushing waters of the Merrimack River once powered the mills that defined our history, bringing clean, renewable energy to a growing community. Today, that same spirit of sustainability is alive and well.

In 2023, Lowell created its own Department of Sustainability, dedicated to securing grant funding, reducing carbon emissions, and building a safer, more resilient, and more affordable future for everyone who calls Lowell home. Here, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life.

Now, Lowell is taking the next step in strengthening its green future: caring for the trees that shape our neighborhoods, cool our streets, and clean our air.

With support from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the City is forming a brand-new Urban Forest Tree Committee. Guided by the 2023 Resilient Urban Forest Master Plan conducted by Weston & Sampson, we learned that while our trees are a vital community resource, limited staff and funding make it difficult to give them the attention they deserve.

Photo courtesy UMass Lowell

This is where residents can step in to make a lasting difference.

Through a Community Forestry Grant, the City will establish an Urban Forestry website, launch a community-led Urban Forest Tree Committee, and host programs to educate and engage the public about the importance of our urban forest.

This is your chance to get involved, help shape the future of Lowell’s tree canopy, and ensure that the city we leave behind is cooler, healthier, and greener for generations to come.

What Is an Urban Forest and Why is it Important?

An urban forest comprises all the trees and green spaces in urban areas, including private residences, parks, transit stations, and riverfronts.

Urban forests help reduce the effects of heat, flooding, and air pollution.[1] They can make your walk a bit more enjoyable out of the sun, provide beaty, and can increase your happiness!

In urban areas like Lowell, some neighborhoods have fewer trees and tree cover than others, leading to adverse effects such as higher temperatures and increased flooding. Protecting existing trees and strategically planting new ones is critical to expanding and strengthening the urban forest – and The City of Lowell is making it a priority to protect its residents!

What is a Tree Committee?

A Tree Committee is a citizen-led group that works with local public officials to improve the health of the urban and community forest through advocacy, education, management, plantings, and maintenance activities.[2] The Urban Forest Tree Committee in Lowell will be made up of Lowellians that are dedicated to working with the City on protecting and expanding the existing urban forest.

Photo courtesy UMass Lowell

The City is looking for citizens in Lowell that have a passion for trees who are interested in sitting on a public tree committee.  Like other committees through the City, it would be a public, volunteer position – you would represent the City in a formal manner and meet on a scheduled basis.

The Urban Forest Tree Committee is expected to launch in Spring of 2026.

If you’re interested in learning more, you’re in luck! The City of Lowell, together with Weston & Sampson, will be hosting outreach tables at two upcoming community events to share details about this initiative and answer your questions. Stop by, meet the team, and discover how you can play a role in shaping the future of Lowell’s urban forest.

Run for Nature
Sunday, September 28^th, 2025
Shedd Park
453 Rogers Street, Lowell, MA
9 am – 12 am

Lowell Farmer’s Market
Friday, October 3^rd, 2025 (rain date October 10^th)
350A Dutton Street, Lowell, MA
1 pm – 5 pm

If you are unable to make these events but still want to be a part of the Urban Forest Tree Committee, please use this link to register to serve on the Urban Forest Tree Committee.

Lowell’s trees belong to all of us, and they need all of us. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a student, or simply someone who loves this city, the Urban forest Tree Committee is your opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Join us in protecting the roots of our community.

[1] Arbor Day Foundation
[2] DCR