Eleven communities in northern Illinois can plant more trees with $211,000 in matching grants awarded through the Community Trees Program of The Morton Arboretum. These grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative went to communities within the Lake Michigan watershed to help restore the tree canopy lost to the emerald ash borer.
The grants aim to help communities replace lost trees with a diverse range of tree species that will contribute to clean air and clean water, reduce erosion and storm water runoff, lower energy demands, provide wildlife habitat, and make communities more enjoyable and attractive for residents. The Lake Michigan watershed in Illinois covers portions of Lake and Cook Counties.
Timely news of funding opportunities often is included in the program's monthly e-newsletter. To subscribe, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.org.