The Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021 was established by the General Assembly with a goal of planting and maintaining 5 million native trees in Maryland by 2030. The Final Plan for Growing 5 Million Trees in Maryland lays out a plan for making this goal happen.
Plan highlights include its promotion and advancement of:
New forms of technical and financial assistance for tree growing in rural and urban communities
A new Urban Trees Grant program and plans to scale capacity-building in urban underserved communities
Progress tracking in the development of new web and map-based tools, and alignment of this tree tracking with existing accounting frameworks for carbon and nutrients
State engagement with the carbon market to clarify avenues for participation
Models for long-term tree maintenance and management
Funding Available for Plantings!
Rural Plantings
If you are a landowner with a desire to plant at least 1 acre of trees, funding is likely available! MD Forest Service staff will be happy to visit your property and talk with you about your interests and what trees may work best for you! Projects can include site preparation (mowing, invasive plant removal, etc prior to the planting), trees, tree tubes, contractor labor and up to 3 years of follow-up maintenance! Submitted planting projects are evaluated for funding on a quarterly basis.
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Urban Plantings
Grants are available through the Maryland Urban & Community Forestry Committee, Maryland Department of Transportation and Chesapeake Bay Trust. These are great opportunities for municipalities, schools, churches, or other community groups to plant trees!
Contact your local Tree Planting Specialist or County Forest Service Office to inquire about which program(s) would be the best fit for you! For the Allegany/Garrett Tree Planting Specialist, call 301-777-2137 or email katherine.phillips@maryland.gov. For the Garrett County Forest Service Office, call 301-334-3296 or email melissa.nash@maryland.gov.
