New York Offers $20M for Urban Tree Planting Projects

New York communities can now apply for a share of $20 million in grants to plant trees and restore urban forests across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the second round of funding for the Community Reforestation Grant Program, which requires no matching funds from applicants.

Indigenous nations, cities, towns, nonprofit organizations, and conservation districts can request grants ranging from $300,000 to $3 million. Up to $4 million is reserved specifically for smaller projects under $500,000, while the remaining $16 million supports larger initiatives.

The funding comes from New York's Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. It directly supports the state's ambitious "25 Million Trees Initiative," launched in 2024 to boost climate resilience and community health through urban forestry.

Eligible projects include planting trees, preparing sites, removing invasive plants that compete with seedlings, and installing deer protection. The grants cannot be used to buy land or plant individual street trees, but focus instead on creating or restoring actual forested areas in urban settings.

Communities with low tree canopy coverage or those officially designated as disadvantaged will receive extra points during the application review process. This prioritization aims to bring nature's benefits to neighborhoods that need them most.

The Ripple Effect

Urban forests deliver remarkable returns on investment. Trees filter stormwater before it overwhelms drainage systems, cool neighborhoods during dangerous heat waves, and pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also clean the air by trapping pollutants, provide habitat for birds and wildlife, and reduce soil erosion during heavy rains.

Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized that healthy urban forests function as essential green infrastructure. These living systems create healthier ecosystems and more vibrant communities while giving New Yorkers greater access to nature close to home.

The state will host an informational webinar on August 20 at 1 pm for organizations interested in applying. Applications are due by 2 pm on November 4, 2026, through the state's online grants management system.

An additional $10 million remains available through a separate program for communities that want to inventory and assess their existing urban forests. That application deadline is August 12, 2026.

New York is planting the seeds for cooler, cleaner, healthier neighborhoods that will benefit residents for generations to come.