ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — Maryland's Tree-Mendous program can now pay for the care of community trees, not only for planting them, under a state law that took effect Oct. 1, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Oct. 6.
For Talbot County groups, the change widens what the program can support. Tree-Mendous serves schools, local governments, community and civic organizations, nonprofits and other eligible groups working on public lands, community open spaces, school grounds and rights-of-way. The updated law lets program money go to stewardship, maintenance, education and volunteer work alongside tree planting. The program is not intended for individual residential plantings.
Groups apply through the Maryland Forest Service's Community Forestry Catalyst Fund, which uses one application to connect projects with several state forestry funding sources. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed after Jan. 15 and July 15. Standard requests are up to $10,000, but larger requests may be considered if available funding permits. A match is required with no minimum amount, and state and federal property are ineligible. Groups that want only reduced-cost native trees can request them without building a larger project, and tree orders are generally coordinated for spring and fall planting. Earlier awards from the fund include a ShoreRivers project in Easton for invasive-vine removal, site preparation and community forestry education.
"Today, individuals and groups across Maryland are actively stewarding the forests and trees in their communities to keep them healthy and ensure their neighbors can enjoy their benefits," said State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang.
Tree-Mendous has supported tree planting in more than 3,000 communities, parks and schools statewide since it began, DNR said. It is funded in part by donations, including voluntary gifts Maryland drivers can make when registering or renewing a vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Source: Maryland DNR
Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.
Signed comments are held for review, then published. Obvious spam is rejected before it reaches the editor. Letters and comments.
No published comments yet.