This month, the Texas A&M Forest Service awarded over $4 million in grants to 18 schools and nonprofits across Texas, including three in North Texas. The funding, aimed at supporting urban forestry initiatives, will help communities address local environmental challenges and develop nature-based solutions to build healthier, more resilient communities.
North Texas Grants
Among the recipients, several North Texas organizations were awarded funding:
Tarrant Regional Water District received $20,000.
City of Burleson was granted $20,000.
New Fairview received $9,000.
These grants are part of the Community Forestry Grants program, which was established in 2022. The program focuses on expanding urban tree canopy coverage to help reduce heat-related health risks, improve air and water quality, and strengthen local infrastructure.
The Importance of Urban Forestry
Alison Fulton, the Texas A&M Forest Service regional urban ecologist, highlighted the significance of urban tree canopies, stating, “Texas has 1.2 million acres of urban and community tree canopy, directly impacting the health and well-being of Texans.”
The tree canopy helps to reduce heat, improve air quality, and provide many other environmental benefits. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, urban and community tree canopies in Texas generate more than $6.1 billion annually in ecosystem services, supporting both local economies and residents’ well-being.
“By planting and maintaining trees, these projects will support economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values, and reducing public costs through stormwater management and energy savings,” said Fulton.
Overview of Grant Categories and Recipients
The 2025 Community Forestry Grants program awarded grants in six categories, each aimed at addressing community needs by expanding and maintaining the tree canopy:
1. Community and Greening Transformations
This category supports tree planting and giveaway events to provide communities with at least 5,000 trees. It also offers tree care training to residents, raising collective knowledge on forest management.
Education Service Center, Edinburg: $1,181,667
City of Pharr Parks and Recreation: $1,181,666
City of Longview: $1,181,667
2. Community Resilience
- Austin Independent School District: $50,000
3. Human Health Improvement and Accessibility
- El Centro de Corazon Community Health Center, Houston: $50,000
4. Workforce Development
- TreeFolks, Del Valle: $50,000
- Partners for Education, Agriculture, & Sustainability, Austin: $50,000
5. Tree Planting and Maintenance
These grants focus on supporting tree planting, maintenance, and improving green spaces:
City of Harlingen: $20,000
Gardopia Gardens, San Antonio: $20,000
Sewa International, Inc., Houston: $20,000
The Trail Conservancy, Austin: $17,968
Greens Bayou, Houston: $20,000
El Paso County: $20,000
The Alief Super Neighborhood Council, Houston: $20,000
Moving Forward
The grants are reimbursement-based, and the recipients will begin their projects in August 2025. These initiatives will help improve urban green spaces, promote healthier communities, and support long-term environmental sustainability across Texas.
The Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants are playing a crucial role in helping Texas communities address local challenges and enhance their urban forestry programs.
Through these grants, local governments, schools, and nonprofits will be able to improve air and water quality, reduce urban heat, and create better living spaces for residents.
