Tree Canada now accepting applications for community grant program that promotes planting of FireSmart-approved trees
(Fort McMurray, AB – April 10, 2018) – For the third consecutive year, Tree Canada is providing community grants to residents, Indigenous groups and local community groups in the region, who are looking to re-plant trees lost in the May 2016 Horse River Wildfire.
The community grants, which are provided through Tree Canada’s #OperationReLeaf – Fort McMurray program, will allow eligible applicants to receive up to $500 per household and $3,000 per community or Indigenous group, to re-plant trees on private property. All trees must meet FireSmart guidelines in order to qualify.
Applications will be approved on a first come, first served basis, provided they meet the requirements of the program. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2019.
“Tree Canada has played an instrumental role in helping our region reestablish its forest canopy after the wildfire in 2016,” said Jody Butz, Fire Chief, Regional Emergency Services. “The continued success of this community grant initiative is a great example of how we can all work together to re-green our homes and our neighbourhoods while still aligning with FireSmart principles.”
Residents are encouraged to download the RMWB Guide to FireSmart Landscaping brochure to learn more about FireSmart-approved tree species that will grow well in our region’s climate.
Tree Canada and the Municipality will also be hosting a free information session on May 11, 2019 at Lions Park to provide helpful workshops on:
- How to complete the Tree Canada grant application
- FireSmart-approved tree species and planting principles
- Proper tree planting techniques
To register for this event, or to learn more about FireSmart-approved tree species, head to rmwb.ca/trees.
To apply for a community grant, or to learn more about Tree Canada’s #OperationReLeaf – Fort McMurray program, visit treecanada.ca/fortmacreleaf.
About Tree Canada:
Tree Canada is a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting and nurturing trees. Since 1992, Tree Canada has planted more than 80 million trees, greened more than 600 schoolyards, helped restore places hit by natural disasters and brought together urban forestry experts greening cities all across Canada. Get involved or learn more about us at treecanada.ca.
Contact:
Corinne Stairs
Tree Canada Program Manager, Operation ReLeaf Fort McMurray
cstairs@treecanada.ca
