Lawyers Making a Difference, One Tree at a Time

A few posts back, The Sustainable Lawyer pledged that we would try and find more pro bono and public service opportunities that directly relate to helping to protect and restore the environment. Erica Mattison, a particularly driven and focused 3L at Suffolk Law School who is working with Lawyers Accountable to the Earth (LATTE) as part of her internship with Rainforest Maker (a local non-profit started by Suffolk Law Alum Jeff Glassman) recently contacted TSL to let us know about an environmentally focused “for lawyers, by lawyers” initiative. Isn’t it great when people do your work for you?

LATTE is currently teaming up with groups like Boston Natural Areas Network and Foundation for a Green Future to organize tree plantings, recruit volunteers and identify new sites for tree planting opportunities. LATTE recently held a tree planting on April 28^th at the former Emerson School in Roxbury – slated to become the Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School in Fall of 2012. LATTE funded 9 trees, while their planting parting Grow Boston greener planted another 6, making for 15 total trees at the school, which was severely lacking green space.

Want to participate? Don’t worry, LATTE has a planting scheduled on Friday May 18^th, at the Italian Home for Children in Jamaica Plain, for which they are currently signing up planting participants and accepting contributions. Haven’t heard of the Home before? In short, it provides a comprehensive network of services to emotionally disturbed boys and girls between the ages of 4-14.  LATTE is hoping to plant 4 trees at that location, which will cost about $800.

Participating in these plantings is a fun way to give back without giving too much time – the commitment is only a few hours (or no time at all, if would rather send in a contribution), making it ideal for busy lawyers. To find out more, or to participate, contact Erica Mattison at erica@rainforestmaker.org. If you are interested in making a contribution, click here. If you are interested, but can’t participate in the May planting, LATTE is currently planning another planting for June. Check back for more details.