Funding Available for Delaware Communities Seeking to Improve Tree Canopy

DOVER, Del. (January 9, 2023)Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is still accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits, including schools and churches. There are also grant opportunities specifically for areas within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values, civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

Complete guidelines on all grant programs are at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 3, 2023, and all submissions must be via online application.

“The Urban and Community Forestry Program’s primary goal is to increase tree canopy throughout the First State,” said Kesha Braunskill, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator. “We want to provide funding to assist communities with tree planting and tree inventory projects. This year our program is hoping to receive applications that meet the requirements, and new communities are encouraged to apply.”


In 2022, the UCF program awarded $140,451 for 31 community tree projects.

Source: Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program


DFS with Seaford HS FFA students

 


Urban and Community Grants

Requests must be a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in only one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management (i.e., professional tree inventory). Grants require a 50-50 match in either cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services, including volunteer or staff time, equipment rental, or supplies.

Applications are evaluated after the deadline by the Delaware Community Forestry Council committee. Eligible projects must be performed on public lands within the community. Priority will be given to first-time applicants, Tree City USA and Tree Friendly Communities, and projects that focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Apply online for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant here: https://tinyurl.com/bddyh74k

  • Applicants must set up a site visit with the Urban and Community Forestry Program before submitting their application to review the project and answer any questions.
  • Site visits must be scheduled a minimum of a week in advance.
  • No site visits will be done after February 17, 2023.
  • Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Final day to make an appointment will be February 10, 2023.
  • A EIN Number is required – no payment to individuals
  • Deadline to apply online is March 3, 2023, by 4:30 p.m.


Tree Planting Projects Receive Grant Funding

Governor Carney puts toil into his Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative during a tree planting event at Fork Branch Nature Preserve in Kent County. DNREC Photo.

 

Tree For Every Delawarean Initiative Announces Conservation Partnership’s Latest Award Recipients

Five projects will receive a combined $60,000 in grant funding for tree plantings as part of Delaware’s Tree For Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and initiative partners announced today.

TEDI works with Delaware conservation partners including DNREC and the Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service to enhance and support tree planting projects throughout the state, with the goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030. To date, over 72,000 trees have been planted with funds allocated through TEDI. Combined with funding from other sources, a total of 120,000 trees have been planted since January 2020. The latest projects will add almost 8,000 trees to this total and are to be completed this fall and next spring.

The funded tree planting projects were selected from among 13 applications cumulatively seeking more than $250,000 in requests received during the latest funding round for TEDI.

Project recipients, their TEDI grant awards, and project locations include:

  • Delaware State Parks ($10,000) for tree plantings at Brandywine Creek and Delaware Seashore state parks
  • Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro ($17,500)
  • The Nature Conservancy ($10,000 ) for planting at the Bullseye-Ferry Landing Preserve near Millsboro
  • Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve ($5,000) for planting at Blackbird Landing in Townsend
  • Siegel Jewish Community Center in Wilmington ($17,500)

TEDI is a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and the Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. TEDI provides technical assistance, resources to communities and financial support through grant awards.

Additional funding opportunities, as well as a list of nurseries that carry native trees, tips on tree care and a tree tracker can be found by visiting de.gov/tedi. Members of the public are encouraged to add newly-planted trees into the tracker in helping to support TEDI in reaching its million-tree goal.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Urban Forestry Grants up to $5,000 Available

DOVER, Del. (November 4, 2022)Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is now accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits, including schools and churches. There are also grant opportunities specifically for areas within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. To find out if your property is eligible, click the “Find Your Watershed Address Tool” below. Complete guidelines on all grant programs are at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 3, 2023 and all submissions must be via online application.

“Trees have the power to transform communities. The grant program’s goal is to increase tree canopy throughout Delaware, along with the many benefits it provides. Funding for this year is very good and we hope to receive requests from interested municipalities, homeowner groups, and nonprofit organizations across the First State.” said Kesha Braunskill, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator. “Quality projects that meet program guidelines have a good chance of getting approved in this grant cycle.”

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values and civic pride, as well as reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.


In 2022, the UCF program awarded $140,451 for 31 community tree projects.

Source: Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program


 

Christ Memorial Baptist Church Tree Planting

 


Urban and Community Grants

Requests must be a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in only one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management (i.e., professional tree inventory). Grants require a 50-50 match in either cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services, including volunteer or staff time, equipment rental, or supplies.

Applications are evaluated after the deadline by a committee of the Delaware Community Forestry Council. Eligible projects must be performed on public lands within the community. Priority will be given to first-time applicants, Tree City USA and Tree Friendly Communities, and projects with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Applicants are required to set up a site visit before submitting their application with the Urban and Community Forestry Program, who can review their project and answer any questions.
  • Site visits must be scheduled a minimum of a week in advance.
  • No site visits will be done after February 17, 2023.
  • Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Final day to make an appointment will be February 10, 2023.
  • Deadline to submit application online is March 3, 2023 by 4:30 p.m.

Grants at a Glance

  • Matching grants range from $500 up to $5,000
  • Requires a 50-50 match in cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services
  • One project in one category: tree planting or tree management (inventory)
  • Project must be on public land or open space
  • EIN Number required – no payment to individuals
  • Site visit by urban forestry staff must take place before project submission
  • Site visits requested at least a week ahead by emailing the UCF Program
  • Deadline to apply via the online application form is March 3, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Guidelines and Forms

Online UCF Application

 

Chesapeake Bay Tree Grants


Chesapeake Bay Watershed Map

The Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program also offers tree planting grants specifically to applicants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is the nation’s largest estuary and a priority for conservation and restoration efforts. The Chesapeake Bay Basin in Delaware includes 15 sub-watersheds located along the western part of the state. You can find out if your property is located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by using the Find Your Watershed Address tool below and entering your address in the search box to the upper right. Click in the map area outside of the box and it will list the watershed and basin in which the the property is located. The orange and peach color indicates the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Requirements for Chesapeake Tree Grants

  • Must be a municipality or certified 501(c)(3) organization based in the State of Delaware. Common types include nonprofit religious, educational, charitable, scientific, or literary organizations.
  • Must own land located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with a parcel registered in your organization’s name that appears on your county’s tax parcel list (must provide parcel number).
  • Must provide a 50-50 cost-share match in either cash or in-kind services. Sufficient volunteer hours for planning, organizing, and carrying out the project can meet this requirement without a need for cash.
  • Be sure to check if your location is in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by using the “Find Your Watershed Address” tool.

Find Your Watershed Address

Benefits of Chesapeake Planting Grants

  • Grants can be a no-cost or low-cost way to beautify and enhance your community or your organization’s campus and grounds
  • Tree planting projects can bring your community or organization together to benefit the environment

Technical Assistance

Delaware Forest Service staff can offer assistance at every stage of the tree-planting project:

  • Meet with applicants to discuss their project
  • Identify a suitable site for the tree planting
  • Select the best species for the particular location
  • Help calculate volunteer hours and services for match to reduce project costs
  • Schedule a planting day

How to Apply

If you think your town, church, or organization would benefit from a Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting Grant and you can meet the grant requirements for a 50-50 cost match (can be met by volunteer hours at no cost to your community or organization), then you are invited to contact the Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. You can apply by clicking on the application link below:

Chesapeake Application


2,075 Seedlings Planted for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting

TOWNSEND, Del. (September 21, 2022) – On September 17, over 100 volunteers planted 2,075 trees at the Blackbird State Forest for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting. This initiative will provide scenic beauty, enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This tree planting was part of a broader program to commemorate the 200th birthday year of Harriet Tubman in 1822 and part of International Underground Railroad Month.Sixth District Councilman David Carter and Del State student Lauren Smith work together to plant a seedling.

“This tree planting event along with the guided hikes (held separately), generated a lot of interest and positive feedback for more programming like this from Delaware citizens. We were fortunate enough to partner in these events with a cultural interpretive guide Dionne Patterson (UGR3day Underground Railroad Experiences Inc.), DelDOT Byways Program, and the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware,” said Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator Kesha Braunskill. “Our forestry staff did an outstanding job in preparing the site for the planting to take place. And volunteers from all over the state did an awesome job getting all the trees planted in under three hours. These planting events are great for community involvement, and everyone gets to see the fruits of their labor for years to come as they come back to see the forest they helped create.”

The planting project allowed the Delaware Forest Service to continue its goal of increasing tree canopy, as well as increasing the community’s knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of forests and forest management. Volunteers who assisted included teachers and students from various school groups, honor society students, Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, and volunteers from Delaware’s Air Force Crew.

Blackbird State Forest covers nearly 6,000 acres in southern New Castle County and is a stop on the historic Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. The project was funded by the U.S. Forest Service and its Chesapeake Bay Program and the Delaware Forest Service and its Urban and Community Program.

To find out how to get involved in future tree plantings or other tree-inspired programs, visit https://de.gov/treeevents.

More photographs are available on Flickr, https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA7XEp


Volunteers Needed To Plant Trees on September 17 at Blackbird State Forest, Enhancing the Chesapeake Bay

TOWNSEND, Del. (September 7, 2022) – Volunteers are needed to plant 2,000 hardwood seedlings along the Cypress Branch at Blackbird State Forest on Saturday, September 17 to provide scenic beauty, enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

State Forester Michael Valenti said, “Planting trees is a great way to improve the environment and enhance air quality. Planting 2,000 hardwood seedlings near the Cypress Branch gives an added bonus of water quality protection and seed production that benefits local wildlife including wild turkeys. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals and families to help us honor the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth by planting tree seedlings in an area that is part of the Underground Railroad Historic Byway in Delaware.”

Pre-registration is required for the tree planting being held on Saturday, September 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Blackbird State Forest’s Naudain Tract, 2076 Harvey Straughn Road, Townsend, Delaware 19734. This tree planting is a “rain or shine” event. Equipment, including shovels, will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather – wear boots or other work shoes, heavy-duty gloves and hats and bring insect repellent and sunscreen if needed.

“We know based on historic documentation that Harriet Tubman passed through the Blackbird area. This is why Blackbird has been considered an evocative landscape along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Having a tree planting at Blackbird State Forest reminds us of the historic contribution that Harriet and others made to help freedom seekers through the Blackbird area,” said Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forester Kesha Braunskill. “Planting trees also is significant in building our tree canopy. Additionally, we want to remind Delaware residents that the Urban and Community Forestry Program is a resource in towns, neighborhoods, and communities with technical and financial tree projects.”

Map of Parking Area and Planting LocationBlackbird State Forest covers nearly 6,000 acres in southern New Castle County and is a stop on the historic Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. The tree planting is part of events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth in 1822. The project is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and its Chesapeake Bay Program and the Delaware Forest Service and its Urban and Community Program.

Directions to the Blackbird Forest Tree Planting Site

From the NORTH:

  • Route 1 (TOLL): Take Rt. 1 South to Exit 136 toward Odessa (Rt. 299) and make a left at the light. At Rt. 299 (Main Street) in Odessa, turn right onto U.S. 13 South.
  • U.S. 13: Take U.S 13 South until you reach Rt. 299 (Main Street) in Odessa. Proceed through the light (continue on U.S. 13 South).
  • From Route 299 & U.S. 13: Continue on U.S. 13 south for 6.2 miles and then turn right onto Blackbird Forest Road (flashing light at the top of the hill). After 3.5 miles, turn right onto Oak Hill School Road. Continue for 2.9 miles and then turn right onto Harvey Straughn Road. Proceed for .3 miles and the destination will be on the left.

From the SOUTH:

  • Route 1 (TOLL): Take Rt. 1 North to Exit 119 (N. Smyrna). Make a right onto Route 13 South. Proceed .8 miles to Duck Creek Road and make a right at the light.
  • U.S. 13: Take U.S 13 North until you reach Duck Creek Road north of Smyrna (just past Visitor Center and Smokey Bear sign on the right). Turn left at light for Duck Creek Road.
  • From Duck Creek Road & U.S. 13: Proceed west for .8 miles on Duck Creek Road and turn right onto Vandyke Greenspring Road. Continue on Vandyke Greenspring Road for 4.4 miles and turn left onto Harvey Straughn Road. In 2 miles, turn left to stay on Harvey Straughn Road. Proceed for .3 miles and the destination will be on the right.

For more information on the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting and to pre-register, visit https://de.gov/treeevents.

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