Port Huron and Port Huron Commission among recipients
By Barb Pert Templeton
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, DTE Energy Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan has announced that 25 communities and organizations across the state will share $100,000 in grant funding. The windfall will provide assistance to expand the tree canopy and strengthen local green infrastructure.
Three local entities among the 25 communities to receive grant awards, include:
· City of Port Huron (St. Clair County)
· Port Huron Housing Commission (St. Clair County)
· St. Clair County
Three agencies, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, DTE Energy Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan sponsor the state grants for this program.
Urban & Community Forestry Grant Specialist with the Michigan DNR Kerry Gray said applications for the program were accepted from Aug. 5 to Sept. 15. In all, the program got 36 applications. Gray added that the funds will be awarded to the communities now and the grant program is something offered to the communities annually.
The funded projects will result in the planting of approximately 750 trees in public spaces, including streets, parks and community gathering areas, in fall 2025 and spring 2026.
Communities across the state will be planting new trees in public spaces with the grant money recently awarded to them.
“Across Michigan, communities recognize how vital trees are to building resilience, whether it’s reducing heat, improving air quality or supporting mental and physical health,” Gray, stated in a recent DNR press release. “These grants help communities plant the right tree in the right place, creating lasting benefits for residents and the environment.”
The program engages communities, schools, nonprofits and local governments in environmental stewardship, neighborhood beautification and responsible tree planting away from utility infrastructure.
“Trees connect us — to our neighborhoods, our environment and each other,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation in a press release. “By working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan, we’re not just planting trees. We’re investing in cleaner air, stronger communities and a legacy of care that will grow for generations.”
The statewide program is funded by the DTE Foundation and administered jointly by the DNR and ReLeaf Michigan, offering grant support and project technical assistance to ensure successful plantings.
The DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program helps municipalities and other organizations promote and manage trees and forests by providing education, financial and technical assistance.
The funded projects will result in the planting of approximately 750 trees in public spaces, including streets, parks and community gathering areas, in fall 2025 and spring 2026.
ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide tree organization that works to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them.
This year marks the 29th year of collaboration among the three partners, who continue to invest in Michigan’s urban and community forests.
Applications for the next round of funding will open in summer 2026.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Gray via email to pose some additional questions about the program grants.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What is the minimum dollar amount and maximum dollar amount for the grants awarded?
Kerry Gray, grant specialist DNR Urban and Community Forestry: Applicants can apply for up to $4,000. This year’s awards range from $2,000 to $4,000 with most recipients applying for and receiving the maximum amount of $4,000. This is a matching grant, and applicants must match dollar for dollar.
BWHL: Can you share some examples of what a recipient might do with the funds?
Gray: This grant program funds the purchase of trees for planting on property accessible to the public including along streets and in parks.
BWHL: Does the state also provide the trees?
Gray: No
BWHL: Can you share what the specific amounts given to Port Huron, Port Huron Commission and St. Clair County were?
Gray: They all received $4,000.
· The City of Port Huron: City Park tree planting
· Port Huron Housing Commission: Tree planting on housing commission properties
· St. Clair County: County Park tree planting
BWHL: Can the same communities apply each time?
Gray: A community can apply each year but communities that have not received a grant in the last 3 years are prioritized over ones that have, if their applications score similarly. This is a competitive grant program.
BWHL: Is the $100,000 a set amount or can that vary year to year?
Gray: It may vary year to year. Funding for this grant is provided by the DTE Foundation.
