Providence’s tree canopy is getting a community-powered boost, and this time, local residents are leading the charge. The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) is now accepting applications for Nuestros Bosques (Our Forests), a bilingual, paid urban forestry program that grows Providence’s tree canopy while training neighbors to become stewards of their own communities
WRWC will launch Nuestros Bosques as a 10-week paid learning opportunity for adults living in the 02908 and 02909 zip codes, including Olneyville, Manton, Mount Pleasant, and surrounding areas. Participants earn $25 per hour, and the program provides snacks and childcare during class sessions, removing some of the most common barriers to workforce training
All classes and activities run in both Spanish and English, and the program strongly encourages Spanish- and English-speaking residents to apply.
“Our goal is to put trees where they’re needed most while building local leadership,” said Layla Farahbakhsh, Nuestros Bosques program coordinator at WRWC. “Trees protect streambanks, cool neighborhoods, reduce flooding, and improve health. This program doesn’t just plant trees – it grows skills, confidence, and stronger communities”…