The Alabama Cooperative Extension System was awarded funding in December 2024 from the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to launch Green Up Alabama. This five-year initiative is designed to revitalize urban forests in communities across the state. By planting trees and training local workforces in urban forestry and arboriculture, Green Up Alabama aims to increase green spaces, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance the overall quality of life in these communities. Visit www.GreenUpAlabama.org to learn more.

The team is currently seeking applications for the tree planting phase of the project, offering an opportunity for eligible governments, organizations, and institutions to take part in this transformative effort. Information on eligibility, requirements, and applying is listed below.

Eligible Applicants

Local Governments

Local governments—including counties, municipalities, cities, towns, townships, public authorities, school districts, special districts, intrastate districts, councils of governments, other regional or interstate government entities, and agencies or instrumentalities of a local government—are eligible to apply. The following federal regulations apply:

• Sections 3015, 3016, and 3017 of the Code of Federal Regulations
• OMB Circular A-87

Nonprofit Organizations

Any corporations, trusts, associations, cooperatives, or other organizations that are operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest are eligible. The entities must not be organized primarily for profit and must use their net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand their operations. Auburn University requires nonprofit organizations to have tax-exempt status under Section 501 © (3) or other sections of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The following federal regulations apply:

• Sections 3015 and 3017 of the Code of Federal Regulations
• OMB Circular A-122

Educational Institutions

Universities and colleges where major functions are instruction, organized research, sponsored activities, and other institutional activities are eligible. Each institution, possessing its unique combination of staff, facilities, and experience, is encouraged to conduct research and educational activities in a manner consonant with its own academic philosophies and institutional objectives. The following federal regulations apply:

• Sections 3015 and 3017 of the Code of Federal Regulations
• OMB Circular A-21

Eligible Projects

The project must occur in an underserved community or neighborhood as outlined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Visit www.aces.edu/go/4995 to check the eligibility of your community. Eligible communities are in blue.

Tree planting projects must also occur on public property and contribute to the urban environment of the local community. Eligible planting sites include the following:

• Street trees. Trees planted on public rights-of-way.
• Park trees. Trees planting in public parks.
• Around public buildings. These include courthouses, libraries, city halls, etc.
• Schoolyards.
• Empty urban lots.

Tree Planting & Species Requirements

Alabama Extension professionals will work with local communities to select appropriate tree species. Preference will be given to tree species with high wind resistance and tolerance to urban environments. The grant will not allow palms, invasive species, or small woody ornamentals to be planted. The trees must achieve a size of 20 feet or more at maturity.

• At installation, trees will have a minimum diameter of 1.5 inches and a maximum diameter of 3 inches.
• Plantings must not conflict with existing utilities, structures, line of sights, or other structures deemed necessary for public safety or use.
• Tree installations must follow established standards and procedures for selection, handling, planting, and early maintenance.

Applying

To apply for this funding, complete the online application below.

Submit an Application