Urban and community forestry grant workshop set Jan. 20, register by Jan. 15

Municipalities, community associations and nonprofits in Delaware can now apply for urban and community forestry grants up to $5,000 from the Delaware Forest Service for a tree planting or tree management project. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 4. There are also Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting Grants available for applicants with land located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. A free workshop to help participants complete the application process will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Delaware Center for Horticulture in Wilmington.

Through a federal grant, the Delaware Forest Service offers up to $50,000 each year to communities throughout the state for tree planting, tree care, and tree management projects on publicly owned lands. The applicant must match these grants on a 50-50 basis with either non-federal funds or in-kind services (volunteer time or staff time) within program guidelines. The Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program’s grant program is open to all municipalities, community associations and certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Delaware.

Grants range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management. Applications are limited to one project in one project category 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 applies to municipalities).Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 15. For more information, go to at http://goo.gl/mBp4Db.