As Natalie's time with us as Community Engagement Coordinator and TerraCorps Member is coming to an end, we'd like her to know how grateful we are for all the work she's done for Speak for the Trees and Boston's urban forest.

Natalie has contributed to many projects and causes. These include creating videos with local community members about their tree stories, contributing to the advocacy of the trees on Melnea Cass Blvd, and running Boston Urban Forest Friends (BUFF) meetings.

We, including Boston's trees, would like to thank Natalie for her contributions towards a more equitable Boston and wish her the best of luck in her studies at the University of Utah to become an environmental lawyer.

On Wednesday, July 13th Speak for the Trees hosted its first community meeting with Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) The conversation focused on preparing members of the community for Tree Stories and Tree Walks, a project funded by the EPA. The meeting was open to the public and 16 people attended. During the meeting, attendees shared stories, thoughts, and opinions about trees, and asked great questions.

Cara Solomon of Everyday Boston, facilitated the story telling/sharing workshop and presented a very thoughtful and intentional Q&A, to get attendees comfortable talking to each other. Many of the community members knew each other and engaged with each other easily. This meeting was the first of three, and it was great to have members engaged, excited and encouraged to learn more about trees in their community.

• 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.