The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Urban Tree Program (UTP) provides grant funding to support tree planting projects in urban areas impacted by transportation facility projects. Offered in partnership with the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC), the program awards up to $5,000 for eligible projects, with additional funding available for Pocket Forest plantings. The spring planting application deadline is February 15, 2025, and the fall planting application deadline is July 15, 2025, both by 4:30 PM EST. Applications must be approved by the county Forestry Board before submission.

The program prioritizes projects in communities affected by environmental justice issues or the heat island effect. It also emphasizes projects that enhance the urban tree canopy. Funding cannot be used for required mitigation planting. Projects may be conducted on public or private lands, but all plantings must involve native tree species. Matching funds or in-kind contributions are preferred. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, community associations, municipalities, counties, and forest conservancy district boards.

Applications must include a site plan, photos of the proposed planting site, a planting plan detailing species and quantities, and a maintenance plan outlining responsibilities and costs. Tree planting projects require a one-year maintenance commitment, while Pocket Forest projects must include a three-year maintenance plan. Up to 5% of the grant award can be used for outreach, signage, or project promotion.

Priority will be given to projects addressing environmental challenges such as urban heat islands and those expanding urban tree coverage. Grants aim to enhance community engagement, environmental resilience, and ecological restoration in urban areas affected by transportation infrastructure projects.

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions after the submission deadline, and the program encourages early coordination with the county Forestry Board and MUCFC. The MDOT and the Maryland DNR Forest Service provide technical assistance and resources to applicants, including guidance on native plant selection and urban forest management. Interested organizations should contact Allison Breitenother or the MD DNR Forest Service for support.

This grant is an opportunity to mitigate the environmental impacts of transportation projects while fostering greener, healthier urban spaces. For more details, applicants should refer to the MDOT preferred plant list and other resources available through the program’s online portal.