Barnstable Launches Greening the Gateway Cities Program

News release from Town of Barnstable.

On Friday, April 26th, the Town of Barnstable celebrated its designation as a Tree City with Arbor Day ceremonies at Barnstable High School and Barnstable Intermediate School. Students, staff, and volunteers planted 18 trees between the two school campuses. The Arbor Day celebration was a collaborative effort between Town and School leadership, Planning & Development staff, the Town’s Tree Warden, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and AmeriCorps Cape Cod.

The Arbor Day ceremonies kicked-off the Town’s Greening the Gateway Cities Program. The Town was awarded a grant to plant 2,400 trees in the community’s Environmental Justice areas. All properties within the Planting Zone, including private property owners, are eligible to sign up for free trees. Through the grant, 12 trees were planted along West Main Street in front of the High School including Sweet Gum, Red Oak and White Oak trees. Additionally, 6 Red Maple trees were planted by the pond behind the Intermediate School.

The objective of the grant program is to increase new tree canopy within the Planting Zone through summer 2026. By increasing tree canopy, our community will realize numerous benefits including beautification of our neighborhoods, schools and public places, improved air quality, increased wildlife habitat, reduced noise, and increased shade which will maximize energy savings.

To learn more about this opportunity and to sign up for a free tree, please visit GreeningHyannis.com. For specific questions please contact the project email: GreeningHyannis@town.barnstable.ma.us.