Nuestros Árboles Nuestra Salud

Nuestros Árboles Nuestra Salud is building and engaging an intergenerational Tree Equity Coalition (TEC) of residents, youth leaders, and faith partners to support the City of Holyoke in implementing its Urban Forest Equity Plan (UFEP).

The Project focuses on Holyoke neighborhoods most impacted by urban heat and environmental health issues.

• The four vulnerable Latino-majority neighborhoods are Downtown, Churchhill, South Holyoke, and The Flats.
• The project will host many events open to the public
• Community members engaged by partner outreach will be trained and supported to plant and maintain these trees. 

3 MAIN GOALS

• Establish and train a Tree Equity Coalition and community members to support UFEP implementation and ongoing maintenance.
• Increase urban tree canopy in the identified neighborhoods.
• Expand community acces to fruit trees and fresh fruits through public orchard spaces.

Coalition members, residents of these neighborhoods, youth and other community members engaged by partner outreach will plant over 150 trees! Some of the trees include: 

• Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
• Contender Peach
• Heritage Raspberry
• Northland & Bluecrop Blueberry 
• Paw Paw
• Stanley Plum

A fruit tree nursery will be developed at Nuestras Raíces urban farm as well as new community orchards at local churches and public spaces. 

Community members will be actively involved in planning, decision making and outreach, with stipends, childcare, and language access provided to ensure equitable participation. If interested, contact us:

Daniel Ross
daniel@daisaenterprises.com

Jason Comcowich
jcomcowich@nuestras-raices.org

413-535-1789 ext. 203

Definitions:

The Intergenerational Tree Equity Coalition (TEC) is a community group where people of all ages —youth, adults, and elders—come together to care for Holyoke’s trees and neighborhoods. TEC makes sure that everyone has access to shade, cleaner air, fresh fruit, and healthy green spaces. By planting and taking care of trees together, TEC also shares knowledge across generations.

Urban Heat islands are created when cities have too much concrete and asphalt and not enough natural landscape. Surfaces like asphalt and concrete absorb more heat and store more heat, which can raise temperatures at night and during heat waves. Higher temperatures can worsen health conditions and increase vulnerability especially in communites with less green space. 

Urban Planning: Designing and guiding cities use of land to improve airflow, reduce heat, and create sustainable, equitable, thriving communities.