NORMAN — Urban and Community Forestry Grants are available to Oklahoma communities to improve their understanding of the benefits of urban trees, increase the amount of canopy cover and provide educational and technical guidance to plan, maintain and improve urban and community forests.
These competitive federal grants, administered by Oklahoma Forestry Services, are available to nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, educational institutions and civic associations. Grants from $1,000 to $10,000 will be awarded. Recipients are required to provide matching funds in cash, donations or in-kind contributions.
“Trees help improve everything from personal health and quality-of-living issues, to boosting economic growth opportunities for private homes and local business and business districts,” said Mark Bays, OFS Urban Forestry coordinator.
This is the 22nd year the grants have been available. Communities that have participated in the program include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, McAlester, Enid and Morrison.
The application deadline is Aug. 3. Recipients will be notified before Aug. 31 and will have one year to complete projects.
For more information, call Bays at 522-6150. For applications, visit www.forestry. ok.gov or call 522-6158.



