Urban and community forestry grants now available; free public workshop Jan. 25

The Delaware Forest Service is now accepting applications for up to $40,000 in urban forestry grants for tree planting or tree management projects on public lands or community open space. Requests can range from $500 to $5,000 and must be matched on a 50-50 basis with non-federal funds or in-kind services such as volunteer or staff time or equipment rental. The program is open to all municipalities, homeowner associations, and nonprofit groups within the State of Delaware. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 3.

Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting Grants are also available for applicants with land located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. In the past 10 years, the program has awarded more than $1 million to fund a wide range of tree projects throughout the First State. Grant applications are limited to one project in one project category (tree planting or tree management) and are judged on a competitive basis by a grant committee of the Delaware Community Forestry Council. Eligible projects must be performed on public lands within the community. Priority is given to first-time applicants, Tree Friendly Communities and applicants that have passed an Urban Tree Canopy Goal Resolution, only in the case of municipalities. Examples of activities eligible for grant funding include tree planting, hazard tree mitigation, development of a professional tree inventory and more. 

For more information, go to www.delawaretrees.com and search Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting Grants. Completed applications should be mailed to: Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program: 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

The Delaware Center for Horticulture and the Delaware Forest Service will hold a free, public workshop in Dover Wednesday, Jan. 25, for potential applicants to learn more about the 2017 grant requirements and the application process. Advance registration is required. To register, go to www.delawaretrees.com and search Urban Grant Forestry Workshops.

The Delaware Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program is committed to providing a range of technical and informational assistance to residents of communities in the First State. For more information, contact Kesha Braunskill,  administrator, at 302-698-4578 or Kesha.Braunskill@state.de.us.