Inflation reduction act initiative gather and grow will accelerate nature based restoration efforts in pennsylvania and maryland growing successful

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded a $2,000,000 Project Grant under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) to the Chesapeake Conservancy, Inc., a non-profit organization. The grant, with a performance period from September 2024 to August 2029, will support the organization's "Gather and Grow" initiative to accelerate nature-based restoration efforts in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The key products and services to be delivered include developing high-resolution land cover datasets, creating biodiversity mapping models, conducting stream channel and hydrography mapping, producing geospatial products, performing land use change forecasting, implementing conservation and restoration projects, and engaging in community outreach and environmental education. The Chesapeake Conservancy, Inc. frequently collaborates with sub-partners such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and various state and local government agencies to achieve its conservation and environmental management objectives across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.