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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act has provided funding for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to offer tree planting grants for communities. The 2026 Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides for the purchase of trees, mulch, and other necessities, and allows for planting in the fall of 2026 and spring and fall of 2027. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, are available for governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations aiming to diversify the tree canopy, reduce energy costs, address health disparities, and increase access to parks.
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Tree Planting Grants for Communities Available Through U.S. Department of Agriculture
As a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been granted funds for community tree planting projects.
The 2026 Iowa Tree Planting Grant
The 2026 Iowa Tree Planting Grant program will provide successful applicants with grants on a reimbursement basis for purchasing trees, mulch, tree staking/protection equipment, and for contracting supplemental watering or having city staff carry it out. The grant, stretching over a period of two years, will accommodate planting schedules in the fall of 2026, spring and fall of 2027, and spring of 2028. Applicants can expect to receive non-matching competitive grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
Eligibility and Application Process
This grant opportunity is made available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations actively involved in local urban and community forest services. The grants allow for tree planting on publicly owned properties within the community, with the aim of diversifying the tree canopy, amplifying tree benefits, reducing energy costs and health disparities, and increasing community access to parks and nature. The Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool is used to determine eligibility.
To apply, interested parties can visit the Iowa DNR Urban Forestry Grant Programs website at www.iowadnr.gov. Grant applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday, July 1.
Contact Information
For any queries about the application process, reimbursement, and rules, applicants can reach Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031. To get assistance with the application or to schedule a site visit, Laurie Dams can be contacted at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414.
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