Project Elm restores Cape Ann's beloved streetscape while fighting climate change. Dutch Elm Disease devastated millions of American Elms in the 1930s, transforming our tree-lined streets from cathedral-like corridors to barren paths. By 1980, these majestic 80-100 foot trees - which had guided fishermen home and shaded generations - were nearly extinct from our community.

We launched Project Elm in 2021 with a solution: disease-resistant American Elm cultivars that recapture this lost heritage while absorbing carbon and cooling our neighborhoods. In Year 5, we've planted 380 trees toward our 10-year goal of 1,000 across Cape Ann and Ipswich, with 120 more planned this year at $60 per tree. Our initial volunteer campaign, supported by Awesome Rockport and Awesome Gloucester, planted 100 trees in just three weeks.

This grassroots effort combines historical preservation with climate action, giving future generations both the grandeur of old Cape Ann and a more resilient environment. Join us in rebuilding our tree canopy - plant a streetside elm or support our planting fund.