DNR, DTE Energy Foundation award nearly $160,000 in tree-planting grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 1, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the DTE Energy Foundation today announced the award of grants totaling $159,825 to 41 communities in Michigan for local tree-planting projects. Grants awarded under this program will be used to help purchase approximately 2,000 trees of various species and sizes to be planted this fall or next spring.
This is the 19th year of the partnership between the DTE Energy Foundation and the DNR to plant trees in Michigan communities. To date, this cooperative partnership has resulted in more than 20 million trees being planted on state-managed land and in communities throughout Michigan.
“Healthy trees provide numerous important benefits to our communities and the environment,” said Kevin Sayers, DNR Urban Forestry program coordinator. “These grants will help communities enhance local tree canopy cover while also promoting awareness about planting the right tree for the right location, especially as it relates to utilities.”
Faye Nelson, vice president, Public Affairs, DTE Energy and president of the DTE Energy Foundation, said that the tree-planting grants are part of a long-term initiative to partner with communities, schools and nonprofits on efforts to beautify parks and other public spaces, helping to clean the air and provide habitat to local wildlife.
“For decades, DTE has been a leader in tree-planting initiatives across the state, the country and the globe,” Nelson said. “It is our responsibility to be good environmental stewards. We are honored to put our words into action with our 2015-2016 tree-planting program.”
For more information, or a list of approved grants, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898, or visit the program website at www.mi.gov/ucf. For additional information about the DTE Energy Foundation, contact Randi Berris at 313-235-5555.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-284-5898
