September 2023

“If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this Earth.”

— Roberto Clemente

Community activism and input are an important part of our work at Groundwork Lawrence because we know when people mobilize change becomes reality. Historical actions, such as redlining, urban renewal planning, and other discriminatory housing policies diminished neighborhoods of color environmentally and economically, contributing to higher proportions of impermeable surfaces, an increased likelihood of poor air quality and water quality, and hotter streets. While redlining and housing discrimination were deemed illegal in 1968, formerly redlined and historically discriminated communities continue to experience the repercussions of this injustice including negatively impacting the environment and climate – they are, on average, 4.7F hotter than their wealthier, greener counterparts.  

In 2018, Groundwork USA launched the Climate Safe Neighborhoods (CSN) initiative in collaboration with five Groundwork Trusts in cities across the country to engage residents in climate resiliency and environmental justice efforts in communities formerly redlined or disproportionately affected by discriminatory policies. CSN's mission is to empower communities by addressing and promoting environmental justice. When Groundwork USA brought Lawrence in as one of the trusts to engage in this work, we were up for the task. One of the neighborhoods we are focusing on is Lower Tower Hill due to its increased impact from urban heat island effect. While GWL has begun the important work of planting trees in the neighborhood to help mitigate these effects, more work needs to be done.  

One of the ways we’re doing this is with the initiation of Pa'Lante, our Resident Task Force which helps coordinate the Climate Safe Neighborhood initiative. We’re recruiting additional members for this year’s task force to help oversee and steward this important work. Stipends will be provided for participation and if you're interested, you can find more information online on our website.  Let's join hands and make a positive change in our community together! 

Fall Planting with The Tree Guys! 

Fall is fast approaching and that can only mean one thing: fall tree planting season has begun! We have a variety of trees to choose from like Sweetgum and Serviceberry which are great all year round and have beautiful foliage in the fall. There are many benefits to having trees in your community including reducing temperatures by creating shade on sidewalks and streets and acting as wind and sound barriers. Our Green Streets program provides (and plants!) free trees in Lawrence and our expert arborists Tennis Lilly and Eric Lundquist will work with you to figure out which tree will be right for your yard.  

Here’s how the program works: 

• Contact us and tell us you're interested in getting a free tree! 
• Having planted over 2,000 trees across the city, Tennis and Eric have the expertise to help you determine which tree would be best for your yard.  
• After the tree is planted you will receive instructions on how to care for your NEW TREE[S]. Groundwork Lawrence has got you all the way through the process!  

Already Have a Tree in Your Yard? Check Out These Fall Tree Tips from Expert Eric:   

Trim Those Branches: It’s important to trim broken tree branches so the tree stops trying to fix the broken branch which hinders new growth. We can give advice and guidance on how to do this as well as talk you through which tools you’ll need for the perfect pruning job.  

Water, Mulch & Repeat: Trees and shrubs need to be watered and mulched until about November of the season to help make them stronger for the colder winter months.  

Changing Leaves? Don’t Worry It’s Just Fall! In September and October, it’s natural for a tree to have yellowing or reddish leaves, even if they come in a bit early. Monitor your tree for any wilted and dry leaves instead as this could be an indication that your tree needs water.

Some Beetles Are Friends, Others Will Devour Your Tree: Don’t panic if you spot a few bugs and beetles on your tree—it’s their home! But two critters to watch out for are the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer which can disrupt the nutrient and water flow within the tree. 

Looking for more great info? Check out our YouTube Channel for Tree Talk with the Tree Guys. Here’s one of our favorites!  

In Massachusetts, approximately 1 in 3 households are experiencing food insecurity across the state. We know the profound impact proper nutrition can have on a child’s health and overall well-being. 

As part of Groundwork Lawrence’s mission to support Fresh Food/Healthy Living initiatives the Food System Resiliency Partnership emerged, addressing food insecurity and its social, cultural, and political causes and consequences. 

The Partnership is a strong coalition of 40 participating organizations (community-based, corporate, and municipal) across Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, and North Andover fighting for food security in the Valley. One of the important action steps the partnership advocated for was universal school meals for all students in the state. We are thrilled to share that Massachusetts is now the eighth state in the nation to permanently adopt free school meals for all students. This monumental change was recently signed into law by Governor Maura Healy as part of the state budget. We're proud to be a part of this transformative change and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local schools and communities!  

Want to join hundreds of volunteers beautifying the city of Lawrence? Want to be part of one of the best and biggest volunteer events of the year? Then sign up for the Spicket River Clean Up on September 23rd. Why? Here are a few reasons:  

1️⃣ Making a Difference: you will have a direct impact on restoring the health and vitality of our beloved Spicket River. Every piece of trash removed creates a safer habitat for humans, plants, and animals.

2️⃣ Community Engagement: there is nothing more powerful than making a difference in the company of good people in your community.

3️⃣ Transforming Spaces: witness the transformation of the Spicket River and the parks along its banks - Manchester Street Park, Kennedy Playstead, Hayden Schofield, Immigrant Place Park, Scarito Park, and Misserville Park - and the resulting benefits to the community.

4️⃣ Public Investment: you’ll be a part of an initiative that ensures continued support for developing and maintaining the Spicket River Greenway for years to come!

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Green Teams from various Groundwork Trusts across the nation converged for a unique wilderness and team-building experience. Education Program Manager Raphael Cartagena and dedicated youth team members from Lawrence joined forces with Groundwork Trusts from Cincinnati, Rhode Island, Denver, and Kansas City, Kansas. The experience forged strong connections as Lawrence Green Teamers had the opportunity to be part of an all-New England crew working together on different projects that the park rangers assigned.  

Working as a team with GW Rhode Island, our leaders embarked on a mission to construct bear boxes which are sturdy storage units safeguarding campers' food from curious bears. Over nine days of camping and cooking up quesadillas on an open fire, Lawrence Green Team members Ana, Geybrell, and Mariah forged stronger bonds with each other and their peers from Rhode Island, honing their leadership and teamwork skills!  

As you can imagine, after several days of camping, the desire for modern luxuries like a shower crept in. Ana had her eyes fixed on Yellowstone Lake. Jumping in with gusto, she yelled, "I don't care; the water looks so clear for a lake. I'm jumping in!” laughing and smiling the whole way. It's moments like these that make experiences in the outdoors unforgettable. Our adventurous Green Teamers not only built bear boxes but also created lasting memories and friendships under the vast Montana sky. 

Changing Systems:

Resources For Social Change

This month, our feature “Changing Systems” celebrates the voices of Latinos and Latinas in honor of El Mes de La Herencia Latina.

Check out these texts and more at your local public library, purchase them from your favorite bookstore, or from our community partner and local Lawrence bookstore, El Taller Cafe & Bookstore.

And if you would like more resources, please reach out to Dariana for more information or find us on Instagram and share your favorite reads!