The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service announced 385 grant awards totaling more than $1 billion to plant and maintain trees. This funding will support community projects nationwide that increase tree coverage to combat extreme heat and climate change and improve air quality, physical and mental health, equitable access to nature, food security, economic opportunities, and more. Landscape architects should reach out to the local and state awardees to offer technical assistance and project leadership to implement these funds.

The grants were made possible by investments from the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—which ASLA worked to pass. Grants were awarded through the Urban and Community Forestry Program, which is the only federal program dedicated to enhancing and expanding urban forest resources nationwide. This is the largest single USDA Inflation Reduction Act investment to date in urban and community forests. More information about the funded proposals, as well as announcements about the grant program, is available on the Urban and Community Forestry Program webpage.

Additionally, ASLA members now have exclusive access to a tailored list of federal funding opportunities regarding climate change and biodiversity, water management, parks and recreation, active transportation, environmental justice, and more.

For additional questions, please contact Government Affairs.