Grant proposals for com- munity tree planting proj- ects are being accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the 2023 DTE Energy Foundation partnership grant program.

This program supports tree planting projects in DTE Energy’s service area that reduce the effects of climate change, increase natural beauty and bring the benefits of trees to communities.

A legacy of tree planting is continued by a partner- ship of the DTE Energy Foundation, DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program and nonprofit Re- Leaf Michigan with an an- nual grant program started in 1996.

This year, a total of $100,000 is available in 1-to-1 matching grants of up to $4,000. Apply by Friday, Aug. 11.

In its lifetime, the pro- gram has helped plant 20 million trees and invest

$3.6 million in Michigan forests and communities.

“Michigan’s natural beauty and wildlife depend on its trees and forests, and the commitment we make as a community to protect them is vital to our environ- ment’s future,” said Rod- ney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “That’s why the DTE Foundation proudly supports the Mich- igan DNR in its mission to preserve and expand trees for future generations.”

Grant funds are provided through the DTE Founda- tion, the philanthropic arm of DTE. The DNR adminis- ters the grant program and ReLeaf Michigan provides tree planting, project coor- dination and technical as- sistance for planting proj- ects.

Grant awards will be an- nounced in October. Proj- ects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2024.

Find tree care and ur- ban forestry information at Michigan.gov/UCF.