The Chesapeake Bay Trust announced Thursday that it awarded $225,000 in grants to local groups to plant more trees. Mayor Sheila Dixon presented 13 awards to groups in the region, including five in Baltimore.
The trees are intended to improve the quality of life in urban areas, including low- and moderate-income communities, reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay and help residents save on energy costs.
The mayor said the trees fit in with an effort she's launched to "green" the city.
The money came from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Abell Foundation, both nonprofit grant-making organizations.
"Trees are absolutely fundamental to improving the well-being of communities and the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Allen Hance, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. "Urban greening projects are a powerful way to engage citizens at the local level, build stronger and more sustainable neighborhoods, and help to improve water quality in local rivers and ultimately in the Chesapeake Bay."
A study by the Washington nonprofit American Forests shows in the past three decades urban tree cover around the country has declined by a quarter.
For more information about this and other available grants for greening, go to cbtrust.org
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