The DTE Energy Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are partnering to fund tree-planting projects across Michigan.

A total of $175,000 is available in matching grants of up to $4,000 each, will be awarded on a competitive basis.

This marks the 18th year of the DTE Energy Foundation partnership with the DNR. The partnership has resulted in more than 38,000 trees and seedlings being planted in 472 Michigan communities.

The program, paid for by the foundation, is administered by the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program. The 2015 DTE Tree Planting grant application period starts Friday, April 24, in honor of Arbor Day.

“Launching our annual tree-planting initiative around Arbor Day is a natural fit for DTE Energy,” Faye Nelson, vice president, public affairs, DTE Energy and president, DTE Energy Foundation said in a release. “Arbor Day symbolizes a concern for future generations, and DTE has a long history of preserving, protecting and sustaining our environment in the communities where we live and serve.”

Eligible applicants include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, tribes and schools and must be located within the service territory of DTE Energy.

Tree-planting projects must occur on public property such as parks, street rights-of-way and school grounds. All grants require a 1-to-1 match, which can be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal funds.

Grant applications must be postmarked by June 5, 2015, at the address below. Award announcements will come in August for projects that must be completed by May 31, 2016.

For more information, or to get a grant application, visit the DNR’s Urban Community Forestry website at, or contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898, via email at sayersk@michigan.gov or by mail at P.O. Box 30452 Lansing, MI 48909.

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