Press Releases
03/03/2026
DEEP Announces $950,000 in Grants to Enhance Urban Tree Canopy Cover in Connecticut Communities
DEEP Also Launching Resilient Forestry Practices Grant for Rural Communities, Feedback Requested By March 13th
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is excited to announce the recipients of Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grants for 2026, as well as a new funding opportunity that will support the stewardship of resilient forest practices in rural municipal and tribal forests. Over $950,000 in Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities grants was awarded to support nine projects across Connecticut municipalities and non-profits. This grant program supports urban forestry projects that increase tree cover and contribute to urban forestry objectives in low-canopy communities. Funded projects will conduct activities such as tree planting and maintenance, urban wood utilization, community outreach, and workforce development. You can learn more about these projects below and online at Urban Forestry Grant Accomplishments.
DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry Program also is preparing to invest in the stewardship of rural municipal and tribal forests through the upcoming Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program. This will be available soon to municipalities with populations of less than 50,000 and federally recognized tribes. The grants will support the implementation of Resilient Forestry Practices on tribal and municipal woodlands with forest management plans. Resilient forestry management practices improve air and water quality, support a variety of plant and wildlife species, strengthen sustainable timber management and wood-based economies, increase landscape health and resilience, and provide recreational and other community benefits. More information can be found at Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program.
Those interested in applying to the Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program are encouraged to respond to this Request for Information (RFI) survey by March 13, 2026. A technical advisor on behalf of DEEP Forestry Division also is available to advise potential applicants on project design and proposal preparation.
Funding for the Urban and Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grant Program, and the Resilient Forestry Practices Grant program, was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act.
“These grants invest in communities across Connecticut — from our urban neighborhoods to our rural towns — by expanding tree canopy where it’s needed most,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “In addition to advancing Governor Lamont’s goal of increasing tree cover by 5% in environmental justice communities, this funding helps address the threats of climate change by mitigating heat and pollution, managing stormwater runoff, and improving health and quality of life for residents.”
Project Awards Through the Urban and Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grant Program:
Trees and Arboretum in Hartford ($189,406 awarded to KNOX)
KNOX, a non-profit working to preserve green spaces in Hartford, will plant and maintain 100 shade trees at properties operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Hartford while training residents through paid, hands-on, workforce development apprenticeships in tree planting and care.
Tree Planting and Learning Groves in Hartford ($147,725 awarded to City of Hartford)
The City of Hartford is advancing progress toward the 3-30-300 Rule, a global urban forestry framework that calls for 30% neighborhood tree canopy, at least three visible trees from every home, and access to a green space within 300 meters. Hartford will plant 175 trees across four parks and create Learning Groves, dedicated spaces for community-based education.
Trees for Southern Hamden ($120,014 awarded to Town of Hamden)
The project emphasizes education, outreach, and local partnerships while planting and maintaining 120 trees on public and private land. By building long-term stewardship and local capacity, southern Hamden will see reduced heat impacts, healthier neighborhoods, and a more resilient urban forest.
Watershed Enhancement and Urban Forestry Restoration in Woodbury’s Commercial Core in Woodbury ($114,264 awarded to Town of Woodbury)
In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, this project will revitalize Woodbury’s high-traffic Route 6 commercial corridor within an aquifer protection area. The town will plant 100 trees to improve stormwater management, reduce heat, and enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Residents will engage through workshops, invasive species removal, and a hands-on tree steward program, while free trees for eligible properties will expand canopy coverage and strengthen long-term community resilience.
Rooted Together: Tree Stewardship and Youth Green Jobs Initiative in New Britain ($114,400 awarded to New Britain Roots)
The project expands New Britain’s tree canopy by planting 100 shade trees, restoring mature trees through de-vining at 25 locations, and establishing a school orchard. The project centers youth leadership by providing paid green job experience to 10 local youth and 4 college interns. Community members will participate through Arbor Day events, workshops, multilingual outreach, and exclusive tree giveaways, with the goal of building stewardship, skills, and long-term canopy health.
Roots for Tomorrow in Windham ($107,214 awarded to Town of Windham)
Roots for Tomorrow engages Windham youth through Project Imo and the Youth Environmental Leadership Corps in tree planting, environmental education, and tree stewardship in high-use parks. In partnership with universities and with town support, the program builds hands-on skills and strengthens community knowledge. It also creates long-term capacity for climate resilience, equitable greening, and sustained canopy growth.
Urban Wood Utilization and Community Forestry in Hartford ($94,735 awarded to Keney Park Sustainability Project)
Keney Park Sustainability Project will expand its Urban Wood Utilization and Community Forestry Program by diverting 60,000–70,000 board feet of urban wood waste annually. Wood waste includes trees removed due to storms, disease, or development that would otherwise be landfilled or chipped. The project also includes green workforce training for 2 to 3 apprentices annually, a 400-tree nursery, planting 100 trees in heat-vulnerable areas, and community workshops that build skills, jobs, and local resilience.
Community-Centered Planting in Groton ($61,787 awarded to the Nature Conservancy)
In partnership with the Town and City of Groton, The Nature Conservancy will engage residents to plant 40 trees in neighborhoods with lower canopy coverage. This effort supports the implementation of Groton’s 2024 Community Tree Management Plan by combining targeted planting with community engagement to strengthen stewardship and long-term urban forest health.
Byram Branches in Greenwich ($49,536 awarded to Town of Greenwich)
The Byram neighborhood of Greenwich is recognized by both state and federal sources as an environmental justice community. This community-driven urban forestry initiative will plant 100 native trees on public and private properties in Byram, with additional in-kind support from the town to expand planting across the neighborhood. Led by the Town of Greenwich, the project reduces heat and flood risk, boosts biodiversity, and builds environmental equity through education, engagement, and long-term stewardship.
Contact DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov for any grant-related questions. To learn more about urban forestry in Connecticut, visit Urban Forestry in CT.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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