Courtesy photo

LANSING – About $500,000 in funding is now available from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to support community tree management and planting projects. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $75,000. Applications are due May 18.

Funding for this grant program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in partnership with the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.

“Trees provide essential benefits, from improving air and water quality to cooling neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life,” said Kerry Gray, DNR Urban and Community Forestry grant specialist. “This grant program is an important investment in ensuring these benefits are available to all Michigan residents. By increasing tree canopy across communities, these projects will support a healthier future for our state.”

Eligible applicants include local units of government, cities, villages, townships, or counties, tribal governments, state agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Eligible activities include tree inventories and management plans, tree planting and maintenance, engagement and outreach, training, wood utilization and more. No match is required. Projects should align with the program’s goals of expanding tree canopy, especially in low-canopy areas, strengthening urban and community forest management and encouraging community participation.

Applications are available through DNR MiGrants and must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, May 18.

For more information on Urban and Community Forestry grants, and access to the UCF Assistance Grant Handbook, which provides important information on how to apply, visit Michigan.gov/UCF.