St. Bernard’s gets $36,000 Greening the Gateway Cities Grant

FITCHBURG — St. Bernard’s High School has been awarded $36,000 by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation through their Greening the Gateway Cities Grant Program.

The funding was used to clean up deteriorating asphalt on the school’s property and install new green space, including grass and trees. The newly added greenery is expected to help cool the area surrounding St. Bernard’s, which has been identified as a heat hot spot.

DCR has emphasized the importance of expanding tree canopy coverage in this area to provide shade, reduce heat and create more welcoming outdoor spaces for both students and neighborhood residents.

“This project has made a tremendous difference on our campus,” said Principal Rob Carlin. “The addition of new trees and green space has enhanced our school grounds and created a more welcoming environment for our students, families, and visitors. We are grateful to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their investment in our school community.”

“We are thankful to DCR and the Greening the Gateway Cities program for making this project possible,” said Kelly Jennison, director of external relations at St. Bernard’s High School. “The transformation of this area demonstrates how partnerships can have a lasting impact on a community. These improvements will benefit our students and neighbors for years to come while helping to create a more attractive and environmentally sustainable campus.”

“This project at St. Bernard’s High School is an investment in the future of our community and environment. Thank you to DCR for recognizing the need for improved air quality and increased shade in the area,” said state Rep. Mike Kushmerek, D-Fitchburg. “I’m proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen our environment while making our communities healthier, resilient, and more welcoming for residents and students alike.”

Greening the Gateway Cities is a grant program administered by DCR that identifies eligible areas to increase tree canopy cover for environmental and energy efficiency benefits. Since 2014, more than 28,500 trees have been planted by the GGCP in several Gateway Cities across Massachusetts.