BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced this week that it has awarded over $26,000 in grants to support tree plantings in 12 communities across the state. The funding, which is part of the Urban Tree Program, will result in the planting of 757 new trees.
The Urban Tree Program focuses on increasing vegetation in areas impacted by transportation construction projects, aiming to improve air quality, enhance community resilience, and support urban tree canopies. Since its launch in 2022, the program has awarded more than $165,000 to 62 projects across over 50 communities, resulting in the planting of approximately 3,000 trees.
“Branches and limbs from Maryland’s native trees help protect the state and provide for stronger, safer, and healthier communities,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “The Maryland Department of Transportation is proud to fund the state’s beautification with planting more White Oak, Blackgum, Eastern Redbud, and other native trees. These trees will grow tall and cool down temperatures in hot urban areas with ample amounts of shade.”
This round of funding awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, with recipients including nonprofit organizations, schools, local business associations, youth groups, and civic groups. The MDOT is accepting applications for the Fall 2025 tree planting season until July 15, 4:30 p.m. Eligible projects include tree plantings, pocket forests, and urban forest restoration projects. Nonprofit organizations, schools, local business associations, youth and civic groups are all encouraged to apply. Details on the program and the application process are available on the Urban Tree Program website.
Below is a breakdown of the Spring 2025 Urban Tree Program Awardees:
| Awardee | Project Title | Number of Trees | Award Amount |
| Allegany County School Board | Mountain Ridge High School Stadium Tree Planting | 111 | $4,425.00 |
| Town of Thurmont | East End Park Shade Tree Project (D) | 24 | $1,381.00 |
| Maryland Forest Service – 5 Million Trees Initiative | North Point State Battlefield | 100 | $4,255.30 |
| Washington County Humane Society | Washington County Humane Society Urban Wildlife Biodiversity Planting Project | 80 | $5,000.00 |
| Green Trust Alliance | Southwest Area Park Pond Reclamation Phase 2 | 140 | $4,994.00 |
| City of Frostburg | Frostburg Dog Park | 81 | $431.80 |
| Hampden Elementary/Middle School | Hampden Elementary/Middle School – Earth Day | 10 | $743.60 |
| Hanlon Park Community | Project Green Earth | 40 | $1,192.00 |
| Guilford Park High School | Enhancing the Tree Canopy at Guilford Park High School | 40 | $979.06 |
| Nature Forward | Forest to Meadow Ecotone Restoration | 79 | $1,000.00 |
| Town of Smithsburg | Town of Smithsburg Veterans Park – Evergreen Trail | 24 | $1,195.00 |
| Maryland Forest Service | Gunpowder Falls State Park – Byrd / Kinney Area` | 28 | $1,000.00 |
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Pixabay
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