By Andi Anderson
Sixteen communities in Indiana are set to benefit from federal grants aimed at expanding their urban tree canopies. This funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, builds on efforts already underway in some Indiana cities to grow their urban forests.
Trees offer numerous benefits to cities, including reducing flash flooding, providing shade, and blocking wind. These benefits are particularly important for making cities more resilient to climate change, especially in disadvantaged communities where residents rely on walking or biking for transportation.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has allocated over $2 million in federal funding to support various urban forestry projects.
These projects include planting new trees, maintaining existing ones, developing comprehensive tree inventories, and educating employees on tree care. The grants will also help cities hire the necessary staff to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.
The communities receiving these grants include Beech Grove, Clarksville, Elwood, Gary, Hammond, Kendallville, Madison, Mount Vernon, Richmond, Shelbyville, South Bend, Terre Haute, Jasper and Newton counties, the Northwest Landing neighborhood of Indianapolis, and the Maumee watershed.
With additional support from the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, many of these cities and counties have either completed or are in the process of developing urban forest plans.
These plans are a crucial step in ensuring that urban tree canopies continue to grow and thrive, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents.
Photo Credit: istock-georgeclerk
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle