Join the Somerville Urban Forestry Committee

The City of Somerville is seeking one new youth member to join the Somerville Urban Forestry Committee. If you’re passionate about protecting and cultivating our local urban forest, this is a great opportunity to make an impact. 

What is the Urban Forestry Committee? 

The Urban Forestry Committee provides public guidance, builds support, and engages in outreach to help protect and cultivate all of Somerville’s trees citywide, which is called our urban forest. We are your concerned neighbors, advocates, environmental professionals, and community partners working together to foster an equitable urban forest. Together we will grow a healthy and resilient forest for the future. 

Who Can Join? 

Any Somerville youth between the ages of 14 and 17 may apply for this vacancy. 

What is the Time Commitment? 

The committee meets virtually once per month, typically on the third Thursday of the month, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Committee members occasionally develop educational materials, prepare and conduct community presentations, attend site visits, or support City staff during Arbor Day celebrations. Overall time commitment is expected to be 2-5 hours per month. 

What is the Appointment Process? 

Committee members are selected by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. 

How Do I Apply? 

To apply, please submit a brief statement of interest by the end of the day on Monday, December 1, 2025. Your statement can simply be a paragraph on what inspires you to want to join and why you feel you would be a good addition to the committee. 

Where to Apply: 

Apply via email or U.S. Mail to: 

• Email: vboukili@somervillema.gov 
• Mail: Attn: Vanessa Boukili, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02145 
• Drop off: At the City Hall Welcome Desk, in the main entrance of City Hall, in a sealed envelope addressed to Vanessa Boukili, Public Space and Urban Forestry 

For questions or more information, contact Vanessa Boukili at vboukili@somervillema.gov or by calling 617-625-6600 x 2516 or call 311 (617-666-3311). 

The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities free of charge, upon request.  

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.