The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus & The Morton Arboretum announced last week they are making $1,000,000 in federal grant money available to municipalities to fight the devastating effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Two different grants are available to communities, a Restoration Grant to assist in tree replanting, and a Technical Assistance Grant, to assist in preparing a tree inventory & management plan.
We have reviewed the grant documents, and this looks like a terrific opportunity for communities within the IL Dept. of Ag quarantine zone, as well as the landscape contractors, nurseries, & tree care companies that partner with these communities. We will both be attending a workshop regarding this program so that we can best help our customers get these federal dollars at work in our communities.
Here are some important links to find out more about the program:
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Link
Spring Grove Nursery can help communities meet the requirements of this grant program. We offer a diverse selection of species as outlined in the grant. The grant also requires all new trees to come from an IL Dept of Ag certified nursery, and we hold that certification. In addition, we also hold an EAB Compliance Agreement. All grants must first be reviewed & approved by an ISA Certified Arborist. Jamie Thomas is certified, and he can assist small communities that do not have their own Certified Arborist on staff.
The deadline for all grant applications is Jan 21, 2011. Please call us if you would like assistance in preparing your grant application.
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