Tree Canopy Planting
Franklin Park Zoo is growing more than just a tree canopy—we’re planting the seeds for a cooler, healthier and more sustainable community.
Franklin Park Zoo has launched a tree-planting initiative to enhance the health of our tree canopy and combat the urban heat island effect. This effect occurs when cities are warmer than surrounding areas due to heat absorbed by buildings and pavement. Planting trees and creating green spaces helps cool these areas and improve overall well-being.
Throughout this project, we’ll plant over 2,000 trees and shrubs in nearby neighborhoods, adding up to four new acres of tree canopy. These efforts align with the City of Boston’s climate justice goals to create a greener, more equitable future. The new plantings will generate 23 tons of oxygen, store nine tons of carbon, and contribute to a healthier environment. We’re also building a 2,400-square-foot greenhouse and nursery to strengthen Boston’s tree canopy, boost carbon sequestration, and support nature-based solutions led by local community nonprofits.
So far, we’ve planted 300 trees, with 90% strategically placed near Franklin Park’s public streets and the remaining 10% in nearby neighborhoods. Tree species were carefully selected based on Zoo New England’s tree canopy health and replacement report, as well as recommendations from the City of Boston. The diverse selection prioritizes climate resilience, biodiversity, and benefits to our animals, featuring species like oak, maple, redbud, catalpa, hackberry, crabapple, hawthorn, birch, and tulip trees.
