Alaska Community Forest Council offers grants in celebration of Arbor Day

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Alaska Community Forest Council is offering grants to help organizations commemorate Arbor Day in Alaska.

Arbor Day is a holiday celebrating the planting of trees in the United States, and will be celebrated this year on May 17, 2021.

The Alaska Community Forest Council is a nonprofit organization with 15 members from around the state, which advises the Division of Forestry on how to develop and deliver community forestry programs to Alaskans, support education, and encourage public involvement.

The Council is offering grants between $200-500 dollars which can be used to plant trees or shrubs, or support other activities that promote Arbor Day in Alaska. The grants are aimed at local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Grant applications are accepted year-round. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and grant awards will be announced following the council’s quarterly meetings in May, August, November, and March.

The funds for the grants were provided by contributions from the Society of American Foresters Cook Inlet and Yukon River Chapters, and Paul’s Tree Service. According to the Alaska Community Forest Council these grants are to be used for projects that spread awareness and participation in Arbor Day as well as raising awareness of the benefits of trees.

For more information on the grants, visit the Alaska Community Forest Council website.