The Maryland Department of Transportation recently awarded more than $26,000 in state funded grants to support tree plantings in 12 communities.
[Above photo by the Maryland DOT]
That funding comes from the agency’s Urban Tree Program; part of a competitive initiative that focuses on increasing vegetation in areas impacted by the construction of transportation facilities.
The Maryland DOT noted that these grants are also available to communities affected by environmental justice issues or the “heat island effect,” which refers to urbanized communities that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 in funding for tree plantings, with more available for pocket forest projects.
The agency said this round of funding will add 757 new trees statewide, advancing Maryland’s goal of planting five million trees by 2031.
[Editor’s note: The Maryland DOT’s State Highway Administration, in collaboration with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation, recently started work on a $1.2 million stream remediation project in the Colesville area of Montgomery County that includes the planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation.]
“Branches and limbs from Maryland’s native trees help protect the state and provide for stronger, safer and healthier communities,” said Maryland DOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld in a statement.
“The Maryland DOT is proud to fund the state’s beautification with planting more White Oak, Blackgum, Eastern Redbud and other native trees,” he added. “These trees will grow tall and cool down temperatures in hot urban areas with ample amount of shade.”
The agency noted that its Urban Tree Grant Program has issued more than $165,000 to 62 projects across more than 50 communities since its launch in 2022, resulting in the planting of about 3,000 trees.
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