But for some, it was a reminder of the constraints of urban life.

Peter
Narsesian, a Somerville resident, feels frustrated at the downsides of
urban construction and development. "I've contacted the city in the
past about it, but it's hard to find even one person who knows what's
going on," he said. "It doesn't seem like anyone is in charge."

"There's
no reason to cut down every 2-foot wide tree; Somerville Ave is bleak
enough," he went on. "I'm sure a lot of people are frustrated."

Many
trees have been removed on Somerville Ave to make the sidewalks comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act. State projects are required
by law to take down trees in order to make sidewalks sufficiently wide.

It
is because of concerned citizens like Narsesian that the Massachusetts
Youthbuild Coalition (Youthbuild) and Eagle Eye Institute (EEI) were
founded. EEI is based in Somerville and dedicated to its primary goal
of combating global warming. Arbor Day, of course, is their biggest day
of the year.

"The Massachusetts Arbor Day Celebration brings
together local youth, professional arborists, and government and
community leaders and it will demonstrate how important trees are for
the overall health of our communities," said Eagle Eye Institute
Executive Director Renee Toll-DuBois. "As active participants in the
plantings, the local youth gain valuable experience and training,
bringing to life our slogan that we are 'planting roots for our
future.'"

And this year was no exception, as the global warming
movement has gained legitimacy over the past several years. This may be
its current high-point.

EEI and Youthbuild coordinated a
statewide celebration of Arbor Day, and since EEI is based in
Somerville, the city played its own special part, planting trees to
improve the community's health.

Across the state, the groups planted more than 200 trees.

Through
this and other programs, Somerville's own EEI increases awareness and
knowledge about the environment and the value of urban and community
forestry through learning, stewardship and career-bridging programs.

"We're
extremely excited to be partnering with the Massachusetts YouthBuild
Coalition to coordinate this tree planting effort on a statewide level
for this year's Arbor Day," said Toll-DuBois. "In addition to improving
the health of the Commonwealth's residents, the Arbor Day tree
plantings will demonstrate the benefits of organizational partnerships
and individual community efforts, resulting in a positive impact on
direct community service."

Perhaps if EEI continues its success
story, Narsesian and others may finally get some relief. "I'm not a
tree-hugger or anything," Narsesian said. "I just live in the
neighborhood. Maybe we can learn our lesson before it comes time for
the next construction project."

For more information on the
2007 Massachusetts Arbor Day celebration, including sponsorship
information, please contact Renée Toll-DuBois or Emma Lathan at Eagle
Eye Institute at (617) 666-5222 or elathan@eagleeyei.org or visit Eagle
Eye Institute's website at www.eagleeyeinstitute.org

Not to be outdone, however, the city has got involved in fighting global warming by planting trees.

In
response to complaints of those such as Narsesian, Somerville's
Executive Director of Communication, Tom Champion, underscores the
city's unflagging commitment to the environment. "The Mayor has
committed to increasing the total number of trees in the city by 20% in
the next few years. In order to do that we must start with an
inventory."

"We are bound by state laws, but under no other circumstances would we take down a tree in the city," he added.

Friday,
May 1st, the Mayor will celebrate Arbor Day from 9:30 am to 11 am at
the West Somerville Neighbor School, where he will plant trees with
participating schoolchildren, and Somerville will be named Tree City
USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

"We really do have a very
strong commitment to enhancing and expanding the tree canopy over the
city. We have a strong record in this area," Mr. Champion said.