MDOT - Maryland Department of Transportation
01/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/13/2025 11:19
Maryland Department of Transportation Accepting Applications for Grants to Add New Trees Across the State This Spring
HANOVER, MD (January 13, 2025) The Maryland Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for a new round of funding of its Urban Tree Grant Program. The grants are part of the Department's support towards Maryland's goal of planting five million trees by 2031. Progress is being made through initiatives that add thousands of new trees a year through plantings, grants for community-based efforts and programs that encourage support for the Maryland Forest Service.
"The Urban Tree Grant Program is rooted in the Maryland Department of Transportation's mission to support the state's climate goals and make Maryland one of the greenest states in the nation," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Native trees, such as White Oak, Redbud and Black Gum, that are planted with funds from this program will help clean the air, provide shade and cool temperatures in our communities."
The Urban Tree grants are available to communities impacted by transportation projects and seek to help urban areas affected by environmental justice issues or the "heat island effect," which refers to urbanized communities that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Recipients can get up to $5,000 in funding for tree plantings, with more available for pocket forest projects. The Maryland Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Spring 2025 tree planting season until 4:30 p.m. on February 15.
Among eligible recipients are nonprofit organizations, schools, local business associations, youth and civic groups. For details on the program and to apply visit the program's website here .
The Urban Tree Grant Program has awarded more than $140,000 across more than 40 communities since its launch in 2022, resulting in funding for the planting of nearly 2,200 trees.
Trees planted with funding from this program count towards Maryland's progress in meeting the Five Million Trees goal and should be registered with the state's "Register Your Tree" tool available here . The site also provides a resource library with tree planting tips and guides, a map of statewide tree planting assistance and rebate programs and volunteer and training opportunities to get more people involved in tree plantings across Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is one of several state agencies involved in the Growing 5 Million Trees initiative , established by the Tree Solutions Now Act in 2021. The initiative is led by a commission chaired by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The grant program is a partnership with the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.