The NYS Urban Forestry Council is pleased to announce available funding for communities to hold a 2021 Arbor Day tree planting event and to establish a community-based forestry program. Communities can apply for up to $1,000. Funding has been provided by the USDA Forest Service. INFO AND BRIEF APPLICATION PACKET
Grant Goals:
The intent of this grant is to help municipalities establish a community forestry program and move toward becoming a Tree City USA Community. Tree City USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation. Please note that this Quick Start Grant is not associated with the Arbor Day Foundation nor is it part of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.
Eligibility:
Communities are eligible if they intend to work toward Tree City status but are lacking any of the components of the Tree City USA program. The four components include having a tree ordinance, a tree board, $2/capita budgeted for trees, and an annual Arbor Day celebration. Definitions and details of those components can be found on the Tree City USA website.
Eligible projects include:
• planting trees (see the recommended resources listed in this notice to facilitate tree species selections to support urban forestry species diversity)
• holding an Arbor Day ceremony (does not have to be on the official Arbor Day which is the last Friday in April – April 30th for 2021) but please plan for a spring event
Eligible expenses may include but are not limited to trees, mulch, soil, printing of a program, advertising to publicize the event.
Communities that are currently a Tree City USA or are a recipient of previous NYS Urban Forestry Council Arbor Day Community Grants are ineligible.
Applications are due (postmarked) by 5pm on February 26, 2021. ?