Groundwork Rhode Island

It has almost been three weeks, and we’re still riding the high of our microforest planting event at JSEC! All together, we were able to plant almost 300 native shrubs and trees and we couldn’t have done it alone!

In addition to all the volunteers who came out, we want to give a special thanks to Groundcorp for all of their hard work prepping the site ahead of planting day. The nice soil they brought to the site made planting a breeze and will ensure our baby forest has just what it needs to thrive.

We’d also like to thank our amazing community partners , , and ’s Canopy Crew for showing up and showing out. Staff members Kuno, Layla, and Tonay lent their helpful hands and brilliant minds just when we needed them and we are forever grateful! These organizations are outside daily doing vital work to ensure our urban forest and riverways are being cared for. Be sure to check out their socials to stay in the loop about ways that you can get involved!

Thank you to Mrs. Greene and the students of the National Honor Society at JSEC who will be conducting watering and maintenance of the forest. The JSEC microforest will impact not just the students of the school but the entire port community for generations to come!

Lastly, we’d like to give a massive thank you to our magically talented face painters Nico and Harper who graciously volunteered their time and talents and brought whimsy and beauty to our event and faces! If you’re interested in their services, let us know and we’ll happily connect you!!

Happy Thursday! This week’s tree of the week is Horse Chestnut also known as Aesculus hippocastanum. If you look closely, you’ll see their flowers in full bloom adding beauty to any landscape and aiding in tree identification! In addition to their showy flowers, this tree can be identified by their large compound palm tree-like leaves and spiky green shells known as conkers. Though their seeds may be fun to play with, when ingested they become poisonous to humans and animals, so be mindful! Tag us in a picture of a Horse Chestnut in your neighborhood!

Do you live in Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Johnston, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Providence (Lower South Providence or Washington Park), or Woonsocket? You may qualify for a FREE tree on your street and/or at your home or business! Contact us at [email protected]