In 2018, when Speak for the Trees was founded, the world was a very different place. In the past five years we witnessed a global pandemic, a reawakened national conversation around racial equity, and a deepened commitment to climate justice. Speak for the Trees has risen to the moment: what started off as a seed of an idea has grown into a powerful environmental nonprofit in Boston focused on racial, social, and environmental justice. As outlined in this 5-year anniversary report, since 2018 the organization has planted and distributed hundreds of trees, has learned from and collaborated with hundreds of residents, and has begun to transform how residents, developers, and elected officials think about Boston’s urban forest. We are nourished by the stories we hear from residents of the power and meaning of trees in their lives and the importance of our work. As outgoing board chair and incoming board chair, we’re immensely proud of the growth of the organization. But we also recognize much work remains to ensure that Boston’s urban forest grows and thrives, sustaining its residents’ mental, physical, and economic well-being. Thank you for being part of our journey, Dr. Atyia Martin Outgoing Board Chair Liz Luc Clowes Incoming Board Chair Worked across 3 mayoral administrations in the development of Boston’s Urban Forest Plan, which centers equity Grown from 2 volunteer founders working in cafes to 5 employees +3 interns +18 teens and young adults working in an office in Dorchester • Distributed 3,208 trees • Planted 375 trees • Educated 51 high schoolers and young adults • E ngaged with thousands of residents at giveaways, plantings, walks, and talks Created Boston’s first Tree Equity map highlighting the relationship between people, environment, and trees Achievements over the past 5 years: