Magella Owen and Rajesh from HS of American Studies at Lehman College. by Anthony Thoman

photo Anthony Thoman

From Brian Skinner, Council Treasurer and Arbor Day Grant Program Chair

The NYS Urban Forestry Council Arbor Day Grant Program Committee, in conjunction with the NYSDEC, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 grants. There was significant competition this year, with 26 applications from across New York State submitted and 13 communities eventually selected to receive grants of $400-$1,000 to conduct a first-time community celebration of Arbor Day.

The Villages of Albion, Bainbridge, Freeville, Lima, and Liverpool; the Towns of East Bloomfield, Hastings, New Windsor, North Collins, and Plattsburgh; and the cities of Gloversville and Sherrill were selected to receive grants in support of new Arbor Day programs as presented and described in their applications. Congrats to these communities! 

conroe_AR dayUnlike most grants, this program provides 50% of the grant funds up-front to help facilitate the Arbor Day-related tree planting efforts planned in the community. The balance of the grant funds are provided upon completion of the project (along with basic necessary documentation).

Communities can establish their own Arbor Day date that is convenient for them; they don’t have to stick to the traditional Arbor Day of last Friday in April (though most do). This grant also helps encourage communities to work towards the development of a community based urban forestry program that is greater than just an Arbor Day tree planting.

The Council thanks the NYSDEC, which helps make this program possible, and those on the Committee who took the time and effort to review all the applications this year.

Congrats again to the awarded communities! We are excited for you and can’t wait to see pictures from your Arbor Day. We encourage those that weren’t quite as successful this year to apply again next year. We encourage those just hearing about this grant opportunity to consider entering the competition next year. It’s something that grows with you!