Urban Forest Grant Program

The City of Austin’s Urban Forest Grant Program, established to promote conservation and other projects that benefit Austin’s urban forest, has $350,000 in funding available now to help preserve and grow Austin’s canopy of trees. Projects associated with tree planting and preservation, education, public service announcements, disease control and management of invasive species are eligible for funding .

The grant program is designed with a diverse range of categories to encourage creative and innovative proposals that benefit Austin’s urban forest. Proposals could include replanting or preservation of public and neighborhood trees lost or damaged in storms or by disease, the creation of public service announcements promoting tree conservation and preservation, or inventive education/training programs that introduce tree preservation and care to diverse audiences.

“The Urban Forest Grant Program is intended to inspire and support public projects that can foster a better understanding of this region’s vital and beloved resource,” said Michael Embesi, City of Austin Arborist.

The City of Austin City Arborist Program, part of the Planning and Development Review Department, works to preserve and replenish Austin trees as the city continues to grow. A fund created to mitigate the impact of tree removals supports the grant program . T he program aims to achieve a balance between re-forestation and preservation. Generally, diversified species and a mix of young to mature trees have the best long-term benefit for the community.

Public, non-profit or private entities such as, businesses, governmental agencies, academic and private institutions, homeowners or neighborhood associations, youth groups, civic groups and non-profit organizations may apply for funding . The Austin Community Foundation manages the grant program’s funds for the City of Austin.

Download the application here:

Program Contacts:

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UFGP Projects

Here are some great examples of Urban Forest Grant Programs projects:

Maplewood Elementary tree planting project Children and parents of Maplewood Elementary joined forces to plant new trees on the school campus.  Those trees will help to beautify the school grounds and will provide shade from the Texas sun for the kids learning and playing there. See the photo album here!

Zilker Tree Rescue Project After the severe drought of 2009, many of the precious Live Oak trees at Zilker park began to show signs of distress and mortality.  In an effort to save these trees, Austin Parks Foundation together with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (and lots of volunteers) coordinated a rescue project to stop the decline by root invigoration, watering, and tons of mulch.  See photos of the project here