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Delaware's tree planting program to grant 58k this year

Delaware Forestry Service

The Delaware Forest Service is awarding more than $58 thousand to tree planting projects in the First State.

Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program conducts a competitive application process for federal grants each year. This year’s dollars will fund 16 separate tree planting or tree maintenance projects in all three Delaware counties.  Dover, Elsmere and Lewes are among the municipalities receiving funds.

Program Director Kesha Braunskill says municipalities in Delaware have individual goals to reach to increase their tree canopy.

“They are reaping the rewards of the many benefits trees provide such as: improved water quality, reduced runoff, higher property values, wildlife benefit,” said Braunskill.

Grants are available for non-profits as well as municipalities to plant non-invasive trees on public lands and share half of the cost. The competitive application process is overseen by an independent review board. Applicants must adhere to specific requirements.

“Such as a site map, a brief description of the project they want to have done in their community, as well as planting the proper tree species within their community—something that’s not going to be invasive,” said Braunskill.

The program started in the 1990s, but has picked up in the last decade. More than 1.7 million dollars have gone to tree planting projects in Delaware since 2007.

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