The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC), offers the MDOT Urban Tree Program Grant to support community tree planting efforts in areas impacted by transportation projects. The program prioritizes enhancing urban tree canopies, addressing environmental justice issues, and mitigating heat island effects. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations such as nonprofits, educational institutions, community groups, business associations, homeowner associations, civic groups, municipalities, counties, and forest conservancy district boards.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying projects, with additional funding opportunities for Pocket Forest plantings. These grants are intended to encourage tree planting projects in urban areas where transportation-related construction has led to tree removal. Projects must take place on either public or private lands and must involve planting only native species. Funding can cover tree planting activities, limited volunteer outreach, project signage, and promotion, although these supplementary activities are capped at 5% of the grant amount.

Applications must be submitted through the Maryland OneStop system and require prior approval from the applicant’s county Forestry Board. Deadlines for submission are February 15 for spring planting and July 15 for fall planting, both by 4:30 PM EST. A detailed project site plan, a photo of the proposed site, a list of proposed native plants, maintenance plans, and information on required permits are necessary for a complete application. Maintenance plans must cover at least one year for general tree planting projects and three years for Pocket Forest projects.

The selection process prioritizes projects located in areas facing environmental justice challenges or the heat island effect and those with matching funds or in-kind support. Smaller-sized plants are encouraged for higher survival rates, and applicants are urged to purchase trees from state facilities whenever possible. Funding cannot be used for required mitigation plantings. Resources such as MDOT's preferred plants list and state nursery options are available to assist applicants.

For application assistance, applicants may contact Allison Gost at abreitenother@mdot.state.md.us or call 410-865-1097 during business hours, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The grant opens on April 15, 2025, and closes on July 15, 2025. No application fees are required.