WMECo’s “Right Tree in the Right Place” Initiative Takes Root
Partnership provides Forest Park neighborhood with “ReGreening” for Earth Day
Springfield, Mass. (April 22, 2014) –WMECo is partnering with the non-profit organization ReGreen Springfield in celebrating Earth Day by planting close to 30 carefully chosen species of shade and ornamental trees—putting the right tree in the right place. The new trees replace more than two-dozen diseased and dying trees on Wilmont Street that had to be removed from underneath electrical equipment in the densely populated Forest Park neighborhood.
“Trees are the number one cause of power outages, and what happened on Wilmont Street is a prime example of what happens when street-side trees grow in the wrong place,” said Bob Coates, Vice President of Electric Field Operations at WMECo. “We provided the funding for ReGreen Springfield to replant trees that will thrive in this neighborhood because we understand the aesthetic and environmental benefits of trees in the communities we serve.”
“This is a great partnership between the City of Springfield, WMECo and ReGreen Springfield” said Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor of Springfield. “This project and others like it are a win-win for all involved; it’s good for the residents, business and the environment.”
David Bloniarz, President of ReGreen Springfield, says an analysis done by his UMass Urban Forestry students shows how the new trees will benefit residents by providing shade in the summer, acting as a wind barrier in the winter, improving air quality and intercepting storm-water runoff.
WMECo also maintains a year-round vegetation management program to ensure the company meets its commitment to providing reliable electric service to its customers. The program reduces the frequency of tree-related power outages while ensuring the proper growth of trees around power lines.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 210,000 customers in 59 cities and towns. For more information, please visit our website: www.wmeco.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WMECo) and follow us on Twitter @wmeco.
CONTACT:
Priscilla Ress
priscilla.ress@nu.com
###
[Back to Top]