The City of Austin’s Urban Forest Program recently awarded $1.24 million to seven partnership projects that will help grow and protect the community’s healthy tree canopy and provide more trees where they are needed most.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to support these projects, which will benefit our community’s urban forest by planting and caring for trees and provide community stewardship and educational opportunities,” said Development Services Director, Denise Lucas.
The Urban Forest Grant, administered by the City’s Development Services Department, funds projects that support tree planting and distribution, tree care and disease control, and community outreach and education.
2022 Urban Forest Grant recipients include:
- Austin Independent School District: $753,131
- Tree planting, tree care and educational initiatives
- Partners for Education, Agriculture & Sustainability: $172,366
- Growing the Canopy of Tree Education in Austin: A Multi-Module Approach
- Austin Parks Foundation: $143,954
- Engaging the Community in Stewarding Austin’s Urban Forest (It’s My Park Day activities and more)
- Fruitful Commons: $98,222
- Urban canopy expansion through tree care, planting fruit and nut trees, and education
- The Contemporary Austin: $46,977
- Restoring the Native Landscape: Invasive Species Removal and Restoration at Laguna Gloria Phase II
- Ecology Action of Texas, Inc.: $20,450
- Montopolis Community Forest Initiative
- Waterloo Greenway Conservancy: $5,132
- Waterloo Park Tree Care & Interpretive Signage
Austin’s Urban Forest Grants are supported primarily by mitigation funds the City receives when protected trees are removed for development projects. Grants are reserved for community projects that help support Austin’s healthy tree canopy. Funding is considered twice annually for eligible projects submitted by organizations or individuals.
The deadline for the next round of Urban Forest Grants is July 1, 2022. Organizations with proposed projects to further the goals and criteria of the program can apply through Austin Community Foundation before the July 1 deadline to be considered for future funding.
About the Development Services Department
DSD ensures compliant and sustainable development, supports the environment, our urban forest, and special events. DSD helps ensure public safety by collaborating with partner departments and helping homeowners, business owners, contractors, event managers and area residents understand and apply existing codes and other guidelines designed to help keep our community safe. We support our vibrant community through responsible development.
