Boston Tree Party Seeds A Healthier Future

Art meets civic action in a project launched this month in Boston that focuses on community and environmental health — and apples. The Boston Tree Party’s goal is to improve urban areas by planting 100 pairs of heirloom apple trees across Boston with the help of citizen groups of all kinds. Participating tree party delegations — faith organizations, schools, hospitals, businesses and other community groups — receive an apple planting kit and access to apple experts, aka pomologists, to learn how to care for their mini-orchards. Groups that have access to land to plant partner with those who don’t.

The symbolism of the project is not lost on Boston; apple seeds were first imported by the colonists in the early 17th century. The heirloom trees are planted in pairs in order to cross-pollinate and bear fruit, just as communities must reach across divisions to cooperate and thrive.

The civic orchard project is the brainchild of artist Lisa Gross. At the April 10 opening ceremony, she said, “These trees will not care for themselves. They will require love, attention, and stewardship. That is why we are not just plopping down trees willy-nilly through the city. We are starting with communities … who want to plant and care for these trees.” Plantings will happen across Boston on Arbor Day, April 29. Some 30 community groups have already signed on as delegations, with more expected.

The Project’s website points to the myriad benefits of planting trees in urban spaces, including access to fresh fruit, cleaner air, new habitat for birds and bees, and the creation of a community gathering space that is ideal for experiential learning.

The Tree Party does not end with planting. Five years from now, a harvest festival is planned, where nature and community will be celebrated with the sweet fruits of this project’s labor.

Photo: Boston Tree Party logo
http://www.bostontreeparty.org

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Holly L.

7:28PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Beautiful! Isn't this fantastic ..such good good news for our trees!

send a green star

Andrea A.

12:52PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Thanks.

jane r.

9:31PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

thanks

Berny P.

3:13AM PDT on Apr 26, 2011

thanks for the info

Lynn C.

7:51AM PDT on Apr 23, 2011

This is what it's going to take to make our planet a better place to live. They're setting a great example.

Melanie C.

7:15PM PDT on Apr 21, 2011

I think that we could do this here in Miami, but we would have to plant trees that are native to our area, such as mango or avocado trees. I think each city could do this too. This sounds so awesome! Wish that I could sign up for something like this.

Loo S.

12:46AM PDT on Apr 20, 2011

thanks for sharing

Cathy C.

2:26PM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

Better the Tree party than the stupid ass Tea Party....what an arrogant misnomer!!!

Past Member .

8:37AM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

In some places, trees are actually weeds. We do not think of the damage we may do by meeting our 'nice' or 'sweet' needs, when that may add to the damage we are already doing the the environment in that area. What food growing plants are native to your area, and if you plant more of that, you will accomplish the same thing, only more so.

Bette M.

5:13AM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

Apryl Lucky says
Apr 19, 2011 4:39 AM
Niiiiceeee,too bad we don`t have that kind of stuff here :(

Apryl.......Just go buy a few baby trees & plant them. And baby the hell out of them.

Plant & protect Danny's trees for life in 2011...........