Urban Forestry Grant Programs

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Forestry
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IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds to plant trees in public spaces.

The 2026 Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the fall of 2026, spring and fall of 2027, and spring of 2028. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 to $30,000 per applicant.

The Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits,  help with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature. Eligibility is determined by the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool.

Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 22, 2026. The grant application and supplemental materials must be submitted electronically. Award recipients will be notified by July 1,2026.

Contact Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031 for questions about the application, reimbursement and rules. Contact Laurie Dams at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414 for application assistance or to set up a site visit.

 

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Urban Forestry Development Grant

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pass-through partner for the Urban Forestry Development grants for communities.

The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. The grant is a two-year program allowing for projects to take place in the spring and fall of 2026 and 2027. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 to $50,000 per applicant.

The Urban Forestry Development grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to improve management, care, and public engagement with trees growing in parks, natural areas, and along public rights-of way. Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits. Eligibility is determined by the Assessment Tool.

The next round of grant applications will be available June 2026.

 

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IRA Trees for Schools Grant

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds for schools to plant trees.

Spring 2025 Award Recipients 
A total of $108,226.06 was awarded to 29 projects. Award recipients include:

  • ADM Middle School
  • Aldrich Elementary
  • Central Elementary
  • Colfax-Mingo Jr./Sr. High School
  • Denver Secondary School
  • Dike-New Hartford Community Schools
  • Essex Community School
  • Farley Elementary
  • Highland Elementary
  • Humboldt Community School District
  • IKM-Manning CSD
  • Irving Elementary
  • Keokuk CSD
  • Logan Magnolia High School
  • Lincoln Elementary
  • Maple Grove Elementary
  • Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Community Schools
  • MOC Floyd Valley High School
  • Nodaway Valley Elementary
  • North Iowa Christian School
  • Osage CSD
  • Postville CSD
  • Shell Rock Elementary
  • Sioux Center CSD
  • South Central Calhoun CSD
  • Southeast Polk CSD
  • Starmont CSD
  • West Central Valley High School
  • Willowwind School
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Community Forestry Grant Program

The Iowa Legislature appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) to be used for a community-based tree planting program for derecho recovery tree planting.

The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants to be used to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa. Award recipients in counties impacted by the August 10, 2020 derecho will be awarded state infrastructure funds in reimbursable funds. An approximate total of $146,500 in funds are available. Award recipients will be reimbursed $500 to $10,000 to buy trees and materials.

The Community Forestry Grant is available to state and local governments entities, schools and volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned lands owned by state, county, or local governments and located within the State of Iowa (DNR lands are not eligible). Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and trails.
 

Derecho CFGP Final Report Spring and Fall 2024 (1.93 MB) .pdf

Spring 2025 Award Recipients 

A total of $229,791.76 was awarded to 28 projects. Award recipients include:

  • City of Ames
  • City of Ankeny
  • City of Bondurant
  • City of Cedar Rapids
  • City of Center Point
  • City of Coralville
  • City of Earlham
  • City of Granger Woodward Soccer Club
  • City of Iowa City
  • City of Johnston
  • City of Kalona
  • City of Maquoketa
  • City of Marion
  • City of Marshalltown
  • City of Maxwell
  • City of Monticello
  • City of Muscatine
  • City of Nevada
  • City of Pleasant Hill
  • City of Solon
  • City of Story City
  • City of Tipton
  • City of Urbandale
  • City of Waukee
  • City of West Des Moines
  • Gutekunst Public Library

 

 

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