Trees for the Hart: Elkhart Awarded Million Dollar Tree Grant
Elkhart, IN - (4/26/2024) Last year, the City of Elkhart was awarded $1 million in funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act's investment in the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
The Urban and Community Forestry Program received $1.5 billion to support urban tree planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities nationwide. Along with other cities in Indiana, including South Bend and Goshen, Elkhart was awarded a portion of funding to invest in the local urban canopy.
Elkhart's funds will be used through the city's new "Trees for the Hart" initiative, which aims to energize the community to focus on how trees can benefit the City of Elkhart for years. Over the next 4 years, the City of Elkhart aims to plant over 2,000 trees, remove approximately 125 acres of land invaded by exotic species, and conduct outreach to over 35,000 people. The project focuses on the reforestation, awareness, and education of urban canopy in communities historically overlooked and plagued by environmental issues. All 6 City Council districts have qualifying areas.