Boston, MA, USA

Somerville High School Forest

Blossoming resilience in Somerville concrete jungle.

This project will be located at the grounds of Somerville's public high school, also adjacent to the public library and city hall.

Somerville is one of the most paved, least green cities in the Greater Boston area. It has a wide diversity of immigrant communities, working class roots, and a strong body of citizens who are artists and activists.

This SUGi Pocket Forest will break up this urban heat island, bringing forth biodiversity, beauty, and the opportunity to engage with and learn from nature.

Forest Maker Maya Dutta

350

TREES

130

SQUARE METERS

SPECIES

The area of the future SUGi Pocket Forest

The site of Somerville High School Forest in Boston, MA, USA

Native species selection:

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is native to eastern North America and a small to medium-sized deciduous tree renowned for its beauty. It blooms in spring with clusters of white or pink flowers.

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a majestic deciduous tree native to North America. It’s known for its tall stature, deeply lobed leaves with sharp points, and distinctive reddish-brown bark.

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It derives its name from its distinctive shaggy, peeling bark that curls away from the trunk. This tree is renowned for its role as a source of delicious and nutritious nuts.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. It is known for its fascinating, spidery, fragrant flowers that bloom in late fall and early winter, making it a rare sight during the colder months.