Montgomery County Plants 5,000+ Trees, Wins National Award

Montgomery County, Maryland is proving that local action can make a national impact, earning a top sustainability award for planting thousands of trees and bringing neighbors together to cool their communities.

The county's Reforest Montgomery program just received an Award of Merit from the American Planning Association, recognizing its success in expanding forest cover and strengthening climate resilience. Program leaders accepted the honor at the National Planning Conference in Detroit.

"This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the thousands of residents who have helped us grow a healthier, more resilient forest ecosystem," said Christina Sorrento, chief of Montgomery Planning's Environment & Climate Division.

Since launching in 2020, the program has turned tree planting into a community movement. More than 5,000 residents have used Native Trees Discount coupons to buy affordable trees from local nurseries, making it easier for families to green their own yards.

The Free Shade Trees program has planted 976 trees across the county as of April 2026. These trees do double duty, increasing canopy coverage while reducing dangerous urban heat that hits vulnerable neighborhoods hardest.

Beyond backyards, the program has restored dozens of acres of parkland with hundreds of large trees. Montgomery County Public Schools joined the effort too, adding trees to school properties since 2023 and giving students living classrooms to learn about environmental stewardship.

The program also supports conservation easements and tree planting in the county's Agricultural Reserve, protecting farmland while building climate resilience.

The Ripple Effect

Montgomery County's success shows how community-powered environmental programs can tackle big challenges one tree at a time. Each planted tree cools neighborhoods, cleans the air, and provides habitat for local wildlife. The discount coupons remove financial barriers, making it possible for more families to participate regardless of income.

The national recognition brings visibility to a simple truth: cities and counties don't have to wait for federal action to address climate change. With the right programs and community buy-in, local governments can create measurable environmental wins while bringing neighbors together around shared goals.

Other communities are already watching Montgomery County's model, looking for ways to replicate its combination of incentives, partnerships, and accessible programs.

Thousands of new trees are now growing across Montgomery County, each one a small act of hope taking root.