Mayor Baldelli-Hunt Announces City Endorsement of Groundwork RI's Initiative to Plant 500 Free Trees in Woonsocket

WOONSOCKET, RI – Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced today that the City of Woonsocket is soundly supporting the goals and efforts of Groundwork RI’s newest tree planting initiative. The Mayor reported that the three-year-long initiative will kick off this spring 2023 and result in 500 trees being planted in Woonsocket.

Funded by a Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Groundwork RI is launching its largest tree planting project to date. The nonprofit is set to plant 2,000 trees in total in the communities of Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Woonsocket. Trees will be planted on public and private property in areas of low tree volume determined by an assessment of canopy cover needs with priority given to denser neighborhoods with fewer trees and a predominance of low- and moderate-income residents without other means of purchasing their own trees. A mapping tool, called the Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA), developed by the national advocacy organization American Forests, will be utilized to determine where the greatest need will be.

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, "I want to thank Groundwork RI for including Woonsocket as one of the four communities chosen to receive 500 trees. I also want to encourage our residents to sign-up for a free tree that will enhance their property and help our environment."

Amelia Rose, Executive Director of Groundwork RI, stated, "We’re excited to expand our tree planting efforts to Woonsocket, along with other northern RI communities. We’re grateful to the City of Woonsocket as well as the U.S. Forest Service for supporting this project and seeing the value in tree planting."

Groundwork RI is identifying residences, businesses, and public use spaces to plant in spring/fall 2023, and for the following two years. Woonsocket residents are encouraged to apply for a free tree. Trees will be planted primarily in front yards. Residents will be expected to water their tree during the growing season; Groundwork RI will provide guidance and training to residents on basic tree care and will check in annually with residents to see how the trees are faring and if any other support is needed. Those interested in receiving a free tree are encouraged to reach out to their team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to sign up directly using the following form: Free Tree Application.