Apologies for the long letter, but we have a lot to share with you today.

You may have read the recent news that the new administration in Washington has terminated several US Forest Service grants funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Speak for the Trees received notice last week our Community Roots grant through the Arbor Day Foundation was among them. This grant, $550,000 over the next 3 years, would have allowed us to plant of over 250 trees through a stipended Tree Captain program for 10 Boston residents.

In addition, we have two other IRA funded USFS grants that similarly face an uncertain future. The first is a 3-year $260,000 grant to support a fellowship program through the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. This program provides three 1-year long fellowships to emerging professionals in the field of urban forestry through training, education, networking, and hands-on work.  The second grant is a one year grant through Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to plant front yard and side yard trees on private property to help shade the public right of way.

All in all, we are at risk of having nearly $1 million in federal grants terminated.

These grants would have provided us with the resources to more firmly establish our work in communities and set us up for continued success and sustainable growth. They would have supported our current staff, allowed us to hire more staff, and grown our programs so that we could plant more trees, deepen our partnerships, and increase our knowledge and expertise.

While we are shocked, we are not despairing. Our entire staff and board are more energized than ever to do more, to roll up our sleeves and meet the moment. I wanted to share with you what we are doing and what you can do to help.

Here's what we're doing:

First, we must slow down, breathe, and put this in perspective. We are in the fortunate position of having strong financials and sufficient cash on hand to operate fully for at least one full year without having to reduce staffing. Between new grants, pending grants, and multi-year grants, I’m confident that we are not at risk of near-term financial hardship. 

Second, upon learning in October 2024 that we had been awarded these three grants, we had decided to expand our donor-based fundraising efforts so that our organization would be on firm financial footing once the grants expired in 2027. After an extensive review and interview process, we're excited to welcome Lisa Crist as our new Director of Advancement. (You can read more about Lisa below.) Her addition couldn't be coming at a better time.

Third, as a 2025 Social Innovation Forum Innovator, we have an opportunity to engage a new audience of donors. Our case and need for new supporters is stronger today than ever before.

And, here's what you can to do help:

First, reach out to your local elected official to share with them why you support urban forestry, the work of Speak for the Trees, and so many other organizations across the country who are building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities through tree plantings. Remind them that these programs support more than just tree plantings: they also build resiliency, ensure clean and cool air, and provide well-paying jobs in the local community. Ask them to call for the full reinstatement of funding by the US Forest Service.

Second, join the Massachusetts Community Tree Coalition, either as a supporting organization or as an individual. With federal funding for urban forestry facing an uncertain future, we are asking Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature to step up and pass and fund the Municipal Reforestation Bill. Massachusetts can become a national leader in ensuring that this work continues to receive the ongoing support it requires.

Finally, please consider a donation. Your continued support, no matter the amount, ensures that the critical work we do continues to thrive. 

I know that, together, the work we do will only grow stronger. In the words of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “A tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind”. Together may we bend to the changing winds, but not break.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

David Meshoulam
Executive Director

Please join us in celebrating Josh Reed’s promotion to Education Manager! During his nearly 3 year tenure at SFTT, Josh has grown our Teen Urban Tree Corps Summer and School Year programs as well as our education curriculum for Boston schools.

We're also happy to share the news that Gabe Rodriguez has joined us as our Education Program Coordinator. Gabe was a Team Leader during last summer’s Summer TUTC Program and has been supporting our school year program this fall and spring. Gabe developed his love for nature while growing up in the seacoast of New Hampshire. The constant presence of trees and wildlife fostered a sense of stewardship that pushed him to pursue ecology and conservation in college. He graduated from Tufts University in 2024 with a B.S. in biology. It was there while working at a nearby elementary school that he found his passion for education and community outreach. Gabe hopes to inform youth on communal green spaces’ importance to the planet and our mental wellbeing. In his free time, Gabe loves skateboarding, biking, and fashion.