Massachusetts
Massachusetts Is Planting Thousands of Trees in New Bedford
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is on a mission. The state is planting thousands of trees in gateway cities, including New Bedford. It’s part of the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The program aims to “reduce household heating and cooling energy by increasing tree canopy cover in urban residential areas.”
Mass.gov says, “A healthy urban forest ecosystem improves the quality of the water we drink, the air we breathe, the stability of our neighborhoods, and our sense of community and individual pride.”
The state hires folks to plant trees in their local communities “in target neighborhoods to increase tree canopy cover for environmental and energy efficiency benefits.”
Massachusetts Is Planting Thousands Of Trees In New Bedford
The Greening the Gateway Cities Program hopes to plant 2,400 trees in New Bedford. Only about 1,697 trees have been planted to date. Fall River and Taunton are also “target areas” of the program.
To request a tree for your property or to learn more about the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, call 617-626-1571.
The state has exceeded its goal of 2,400 trees in Fall River, with 3,000 trees planted. The program is far from its goal in Taunton, with only 465 trees planted. The goal is 2,400 trees.
Mass.gov says, “Tree planting laborer opportunities are available for the spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) planting seasons.
For more information, contact Kelly Meiler at (508) 6880889, Kelly.meiler@mass.gov.
These Common Plants Are Illegal in Massachusetts
Massachusetts plant lovers, beware! Many of our most recognizable flora are actually common because they are super successful invaders, and are taking out our native plants.
The state has made it illegal to sell, grow, spread or propagate them — trust us, they don’t need any help. Here’s a list of some of the most widely known plants that actually don’t belong here.
Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson
LOOK: Must-do activities at every national park
Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood
Beloved New Bedford Bars That Are Gone But Not Forgotten
From 908 to the Regal Beagle on Acushnet Ave, these are the bars that are no longer with us but never forgotten.
Gallery Credit: Gazelle
Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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