The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) awarded the Town of Normal a $25,000 subgrant to improve the community tree canopy.
The competitive subgrant is among 17 provided to government entities through Inflation Reduction Act funding to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, administered by CRTI. Funding from the four-year grant, which does not require matching funds, can be used for projects to increase tree canopy, improve forest health and create or enhance community forestry programs.
“This grant provides $7,000 for planting new trees, $6,000 for pruning trees and $12,000 for removing trees,” explains Gene Kotlinkski, assistant director of Park & Recreation for the Town of Normal. “Town staff will plant trees and we’ll hire contractors for pruning and removals.”
All work must be complete by March 1, 2028. All grant-funded projects must complete the development or enhancement of a tree protection ordinance or policy, setting standards of care for newly planted trees and helping ensure the tree canopy is maintained and protected long after the grant ends.
“Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities,” said CRTI Director Zach Wirtz. “Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by climate change, pests and diseases.”
Funding support for this project was provided by the Inflation Reduction Act through the Urban and Community Forestry Programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region.
