About Us

Planting Trees and Educating Youth!

400 Trees began as a bold community commitment: to plant 400 native trees and inspire young people to understand the vital role trees play in our environment. Launched as part of Gloucester’s 400+ Celebration in 2023, the initiative brought together Biomimicry New England, the City of Gloucester, and Cape Ann Elms in a powerful local partnership. Together, we planted more than 400 native trees across the city during 2023–2024 and converted 400 Trees to a permanent program of Biomimicry New England. 

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In 2026 and beyond, 400 Trees is growing into a new multi-year phase. The program will focus on planting larger canopy trees in downtown Gloucester while expanding youth engagement through partnerships with Gloucester Public Schools and other local organizations. This next chapter deepens our commitment to strengthening the urban forest, educating the next generation, and nurturing a healthier, more resilient local ecosystem.

Focusing on the Future 

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

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As we move into 2026 and the years ahead, 400 Trees remains grounded in its core mission: to expand Gloucester’s tree canopy while educating youth and adults about the essential role trees play in a healthy, resilient community. Our work continues to center community engagement, hands-on learning, and long-term stewardship. The following initiatives represent key pillars of our future programming.

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Climate Demonstration Project
We will continue planting larger, long-lived trees in the heart of Gloucester to reduce the urban heat island effect, enhance public spaces, and demonstrate how trees contribute to climate resilience and neighborhood vitality.

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Dirt Club
In partnership with the Cape Ann YMCA, Dirt Club will expand as an after-school environmental education program, engaging students at Plum Cove and West Parish Elementary Schools in hands-on learning about nature, trees, and Gloucester’s local ecosystem.

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Native Tree Grove
Located at O’Maley Innovation Middle School, the Native Tree Grove will serve as a living outdoor classroom where students explore ecology, phenology, and the life cycles of native trees through place-based learning.

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Tree Stewardship Program
This active learning program will engage youth through Gloucester Schools, the Cape Ann YMCA, and the Gloucester Health Department to care for, monitor, and document trees throughout the city—building skills, responsibility, and long-term connections to urban forestry.

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Tree Talks
Hosted at City Hall and the new Sawyer Free Library, Tree Talks will bring local and regional experts together to share knowledge about native trees, plants, and Gloucester’s ecosystem through engaging programs for both adults and youth.