According to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) press release on Friday, the DNR, DTE Energy Foundation, and ReLeaf Michigan announced that 25 communities and organizations across the state will share $100,000 in grant funding and other assistance to expand tree canopy and strengthen local green infrastructure. One of these organizations included the Alcona County Commission on Aging.

According to the release, the announcement marks 29 years of collaboration among the three partners. The funded projects will result in the planting of approximately 750 trees in public spaces, including streets, parks, and community gathering areas, in fall 2025 and spring 2026.

“Across Michigan, communities recognize how vital trees are to building resilience, whether it’s reducing heat, improving air quality, or supporting mental and physical health,” Kerry Gray, DNR Urban and Community Forestry grant specialist, said in the release. “These grants help communities plant the right tree in the right place, creating lasting benefits for residents and the environment.”

According to the DNR, the statewide program is funded by the DTE Foundation and administered jointly by the DNR and ReLeaf Michigan, offering grant support and project technical assistance to ensure successful plantings.

“Trees connect us — to our neighborhoods, our environment and each other,” Rodney Cole, DTE Foundation president, said in the release. “By working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan, we’re not just planting trees. We’re investing in cleaner air, stronger communities and a legacy of care that will grow for generations.”

The release states that the program engages communities, schools, nonprofits, and local governments in environmental stewardship, neighborhood beautification, and responsible tree planting away from utility infrastructure.