DEEP Awards $184K in Grants, Announces New Urban Forestry Program
The Facts -
- DEEP grants $184,000 to 11 urban forestry projects in Connecticut.
- New $1 million "Trees for Communities" grants available, due August 31.
- Grants aim to increase tree cover and support forestry in low-canopy areas.
Connecticut Bolsters Urban Forestry Efforts with New Grants
In an effort to enhance urban greenery and improve public health, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the distribution of over $184,000 across nine communities. This funding will support 11 projects aimed at promoting urban and community forestry in areas such as Bloomfield, Ellington, Mansfield, and others. These initiatives include tree inventories, invasive species removal, and the planting of native trees, all of which are vital to maintaining healthy urban forests.
Urban forests are known to have significant impacts on livability and public health, providing benefits such as pollution reduction, stormwater management, and crime reduction. DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes emphasized the importance of urban trees, stating, "Urban forests contribute to livable cities and provide numerous benefits, including heat and pollution mitigation, stormwater management, and improved health outcomes for residents." These efforts are part of Connecticut's broader goal to increase urban tree canopy cover by 2040.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these grants aid communities in accessing the multiple benefits of urban forestry. Details of the grant recipients and their projects can be found on DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Accomplishments webpage.
Introducing the Trees for Communities Grant Program
DEEP is also inviting applications for the newly launched Trees for Communities Grant Program. With a budget of $1 million, this program aims to support projects that enhance tree cover in low-canopy, high-need areas. Eligible applicants, including governmental entities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut, can apply for grants up to $200,000. Projects may involve activities such as tree planting and maintenance, invasive species management, and urban forest planning.
Interested parties must submit their applications by August 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Questions about the application process can be submitted to DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov until July 31, 2025. Answers will be made available on the DEEP Grants website by August 8, 2025. Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in virtual office hours or attend a webinar scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM. Additional information is available on the Trees for Communities Grant Program webpage.
For more resources and guidance on urban forestry in Connecticut, visit Urban Forestry in Connecticut.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact Information
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110
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