MDOT Urban Tree Program Grant

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), in collaboration with the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC), offers the MDOT Urban Tree Program Grant to support tree planting efforts in communities impacted by transportation facility projects. This initiative underscores MDOT’s broader environmental stewardship goals and commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. By funding these tree planting activities, the program aims to revitalize urban spaces, restore local ecosystems, and address issues of environmental justice and urban heat islands resulting from prior transportation construction activities. This grant program provides financial support for eligible organizations undertaking tree planting projects in communities where transportation facility construction has led to tree removal. Projects must occur in areas directly affected by such developments, with specific reference to large infrastructure efforts like the Purple Line project. Priority is given to proposals addressing environmental justice concerns or aiming to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The program encourages increasing the urban tree canopy, particularly through initiatives such as Pocket Forests—dense plantings of native trees and shrubs designed for urban settings that require longer-term maintenance and enhance ecological value. Funding is available up to $5,000 for general planting projects, with the possibility of increased support for Pocket Forest projects. Projects may be located on either public or private lands, provided they are not fulfilling a mitigation requirement. While matching funds are not mandatory, preference is given to applications that include either financial contributions or in-kind support. All plantings must use native species, and proposals must include comprehensive planting plans with specified plant types, quantities, and design layouts. Up to 50% of the plantings may be non-canopy species, with specific ratios allowed for shrubs and shrub-trees. To apply, eligible organizations—including nonprofits, educational institutions, community associations, business service groups, municipalities, and county governments—must submit a complete application through Maryland’s OneStop system. Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for the spring planting cycle, they must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 15. For the fall cycle, the deadline is July 15 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All applications require county Forestry Board approval, and the submission must include a maintenance plan (one year for standard plantings, three years for Pocket Forests), site design documents, and any necessary permits or approvals. Additional support of up to 5% of the grant award may be allocated for volunteer outreach, signage, or project promotion. Applicants are encouraged to purchase plant material from state nurseries where possible, taking advantage of cost-effective options such as seedlings or container-grown trees. The MDOT Preferred Plants list and state nursery contacts are provided to help guide species selection. The state nursery and Tree-Mendous Maryland program offer suitable sources for native plants that meet program criteria. Questions about the program or application requirements may be directed to Nick Kurtz, the MDOT Urban Tree Program Coordinator, who is available by email at [email protected] or by phone at (410) 865-1307 during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Award decisions for the spring cycle are issued in early February, and for the fall cycle, in early August. With its recurring deadlines and focus on sustainable urban reforestation, the MDOT Urban Tree Program Grant serves as a valuable resource for community-led ecological restoration in Maryland.

Include native species, support tree canopy goals, include matching or in-kind support, and address environmental justice or heat island effects for priority consideration.