Lowell, MA (January 26, 2014) – Alliance for Community Trees and EcoMedia have entered a new partnership to plant trees in the communities that EcoMedia serves. The first event from this partnership was a tree planting in historic downtown Lowell, MA, organized by ACTrees member Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust with funding from Lahey Health.
Downtown Lowell’s urban forest grew a bit as Lahey Health volunteers planted 15 large trees at a busy intersection in the city. The event engaged a dozen volunteers, all Lahey Health employees, who took action for Lowell’s urban forest. The newly planted trees will help reduce the urban heat island effect by creating shade and absorbing carbon emissions from passing vehicles. This grant also supports ongoing maintenance and pruning of the trees, helping to ensure a greener, more beautiful legacy for the Lowell community.
“ACTrees is excited to partner with CBS EcoMedia, Lahey Health, and our member the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust for this planting,” said Carrie Gallagher, ACTrees Executive Director. “Trees are essential for our well-being because they lower stress, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and support heart health. These 15 trees planted by Lahey Health employees will make an immediate impact and make Lowell greener and healthier.”
The tree planting event was a part of National NeighborWoods® Month, a month-long celebration of trees during October organized by ACTrees. Each year, tens of thousands of volunteers take action to make their communities greener and healthier by planting and caring for trees—turning their neighborhoods into vibrant, livable communities.
“Lahey Health has made a commitment to addressing the demonstrated health and wellness needs of this community,” said Gerald MacKillop, Director of Community Relations, Lahey Health. “Through this unique collaboration with CBS EcoMedia, the Alliance for Community Trees, and Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, and with these newly planted trees we’re helping to build the community in a way that will show a positive impact on the city of Lowell and all its residents for years to come.”
“We’re grateful to Lahey Health for providing the intrinsic economic, environmental and health benefits of trees to this community,” said Paul Polizzotto, president and founder, CBS EcoMedia. “With Lahey Health’s financial support through EcoMedia’s EcoAd program, and the dedication of its employee volunteers, we are enhancing the health and wellness of members of this community.”
Here’s a video recap of the event:
About Alliance for Community Trees
Alliance for Community Trees is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and livability of cities by planting and caring for trees. ACTrees engages volunteers to take action to improve the environment where over 90% of people live: in cities, towns, and metropolitan areas. ACTrees member organizations have planted over 15 million trees nationwide with help from over 5 million volunteers. Learn more about ACTrees and its member organizations at www.ACTrees.org and follow us on Facebook, and Twitter and Instagram @alliance4trees.
About Lahey Health
Lahey Health is what’s next in healthcare, providing a full continuum of integrated health services close to where you live or work. It is comprised of nationally recognized, award-winning hospitals—including an academic hospital and medical center, and community hospitals—primary care providers, specialist physicians, behavioral health services, post-acute programs such as home health services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and senior care resources located throughout northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Learn more at www.laheyhealth.org.
About EcoMedia
Founded in 2002, EcoMedia is propelled by the desire to create positive social change. In 2010, after successfully partnering with CBS on a wide range of environmental projects, EcoMedia became the newest addition to the CBS Corporation portfolio, exponentially scaling our reach across television, radio, interactive, publishing and outdoor media. Through our patent-pending EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd programs, an innovative twist on traditional advertising, advertisers are able to support much-needed local projects which in turn creates jobs, saves taxpayer money and improves the quality of life in communities nationwide. To learn more, visit ecomediacbs.com.
View Press Release Here.