Texas A&M Forest Service awards $4M to school, nonprofits and more for community forestry projects

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas A&M Forest Service awarded $4 million in grants to 18 Texas cities, schools and nonprofits for community forestry projects.

Since 2022, the Community Forestry Grants program has provided funding to help maintain tree canopy across Texas, according to a news release from the forest service.

“Texas has 1.2 million acres of urban and community tree canopy, directly impacting the health and wellbeing of Texans,” said Alison Fulton, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Urban Ecologist, in the release. “With these grants, communities are able to strategically expand tree canopy coverage to help reduce heat related health risks, improve air and water quality and strengthen local infrastructure.”

Austin ISD, as well as Partners for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability, each got $50,000 in grant funding. Additionally, the Trail Conservancy in Austin got nearly $18,000 for tree planting and maintenance initiatives, the release said.

According to the forest service, “Texas urban and community tree canopies generate over $6.1 billion in annual ecosystem services and provide vital support for local economies and residents.”

“These projects will also support economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values and reducing public costs through stormwater management and energy savings,” Fulton said.