By Michael Coughlin Jr.
Bill Masterson, founder of Tree Eastie, a local non-profit that works to plant, maintain, and educate residents about the benefits of trees, joined last week’s Harbor View Neighborhood Association (HVNA) meeting to share updates on the organization’s work.
Notably, the all-volunteer organization has been making greater progress toward its mission of increasing East Boston’s tree canopy, having recently planted its 800th tree in the neighborhood.
“It’s pretty cool, it has not even been five years,” Masterson said. … “Trees just have so many benefits — they provide shade, they provide wildlife habitat, they reduce stress, they improve property value, they filter air and noise pollution.”
As his presentation continued, Masterson indicated that the organization is in the midst of its busy period and has recently reached an agreement with Massport allowing Tree Eastie to plant trees on Massport property.
“They’re the largest landowner in the City of Boston, so this is going to be a game-changer for us to be able to really add trees where they’re needed — along the greenway, Piers Park, Piers Park II,” he said.
This spring, there have been plantings at places such as Mario Umana Academy and Constitution Beach, among others.
Regarding plantings at Constitution Beach, Tree Eastie, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, is creating a maritime forest.
“A maritime forest is basically going between the parking lot and the Blue Line fence, and it’s going to pretty much run the entire length of that,” Masterson said. “It’s going to block out the Blue Line, create a nice green screen, and it’s just going to help calm people.”
In addition to the updates, Masterson shared information about some of Tree Eastie’s existing programming, including the fruit tree program that launched last year.
As part of the program, residents can request trees from the organization for their yards.
“Our volunteers will show up, we’ll get the tree in the ground, give you a water bag, stage the tree, mulch it for you — it’s up to you to water it, but you can get a free fruit tree — a free yard tree as well,” Masterson said.
The organization also has a similar program with the city for street trees.
“If we contact the resident and they’re not opposed to having a tree planted in front of their house, then the city will plant one there,” Masterson said.
For those interested in getting a tree planted, volunteering, or learning more about Tree Eastie, visit its website at https://www.treeeastie.org/.
To view a recording of the presentation to the HVNA, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/184081565337087/. The next HVNA meeting is scheduled for June 1.