Project Grant 24DG11094200128

This $17,000,000 Project Grant award from the USDA Forest Service's Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) supports comprehensive urban forestry initiatives in the Mid-Atlantic region. The funding will be used to plan, establish, manage, and protect trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in cities and towns. Key objectives include providing ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic advantages to urban and community settings, with a focus on advancing environmental justice in underserved areas. The primary awardee, Chesapeake Bay Trust, will administer the Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund and collaborate with several sub-grantees, including Centro De Apoyo Familiar, Howard University, Jastech Development Services Inc., South Baltimore Community Land Trust Inc., Movement Strategy Center, and District Of Columbia Grassroots Empowerment Project Incorporated. These sub-grantees will implement a range of activities such as tree planting, ecosystem restoration, conservation planning, workforce development, and community engagement and education to increase urban tree canopy and improve environmental conditions in disadvantaged communities across the region.