Christine Araujo is a Managing Partner at Zuaaria Partners, where she serves as a consultant to organizations that improve the economic prospects of Boston’s residents. She is the former Executive Director of the American City Coalition in Roxbury and also served as the Executive Director of Boston Connects, Inc., where she was responsible for implementing the economic and human development goals of Boston’s federal Empowerment Zone. Prior to her Boston experience, she was a Planner in the New York City Department of City Planning's Waterfront Division. Ms. Araujo is a Roslindale resident and holds an undergraduate degree from Vassar College and a Master of City and Regional Planning degree from Pratt Institute.

Speak for the Trees has received our first grant of 2023. This grant will allow us to plant 12-15 new trees in an Environmental Justice neighborhood. We are excited for the opportunity to keep expanding Boston's urban tree canopy and cannot wait for more plantings, trees, and celebrations.

Emily Wallace is a senior at Northeastern University pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability. She is passionate about the intersection of ecology and sustainability, specifically in cities. She is excited to start working to help connect communities with their local green spaces. 

Lisa Penfield is a sophomore at Tufts University majoring in Environmental Engineering. In the future, she hopes to continue her education and research endeavors in the fields of public health and sustainability. Outside of school, she enjoys trying new foods, running, and learning to play frisbee.

New England Botanic Garden’s annual Urban Tree Symposium is dedicated to exploring the importance of urban forests and ways we can improve our green spaces. This year the symposium will be held on Zoom from 9am to 4pm on Friday, February 3. Join to hear from experts in the fields of forestry, horticulture, biology, technology and more. You can expect to learn about current and important information that will impact your work in your community and home. The Urban Tree Symposium is geared toward current and aspiring professionals, but all are welcome.

This years Urban Tree Symposium is co-sponsored by Speak for the Trees, Boston and the Ecological Landscape Alliance,

• Have a nearby park that could use some trees?
• Is your street bare and hot in the summer?
• Is your school or local business looking empty?

We're here to support community projects that will bring trees to you and your neighborhood. Please fill out our brief tree planting proposal form and we'll reach out.