RI to award grants to support programs to grow trees

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The state is awarding grants to support community programs to grow trees.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management says $30,000 is available in matching grants.

It's working in partnership with the United States Forest Service and the Rhode Island Tree Council.

The grants covers 40 percent of the cost for urban forestry efforts, including tree plantings, community forestry planning, invasive species management and related education and outreach.

DEM is hosting an informational workshop at 2 p.m. Wednesday at its headquarters in Providence.

DEM says it has awarded more than $5 million in grants under the America the Beautiful Tree Rhode Island program over the past 25 years.

The grant application deadline is Jan. 31. Requests of $2,000 to $4,000 will be considered.