Maryland Forest Service Assistant Forest Manager Anna Twigg leads a workshop on identifying priority tree species and locating viable seeds at Hagerstown City Park; under new legislation, the Maryland Forest Service can fund and support a variety of stewardship activities beyond just tree planting. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland DNR
Maryland communities now have more opportunities to care for the trees and forests in their neighborhoods and public spaces through the Tree-Mendous Maryland Program
Tree-Mendous Maryland supports community forestry projects across the state. The program provides access to native trees at reduced cost and helps fund community efforts to plant, care for, and steward trees and forests. Since its creation, Tree-Mendous has supported tree planting in more than 3,000 communities, parks, and schools statewide.
Legislation signed during the Maryland General Assembly session earlier this year updates the program’s purpose to recognize community participation in both tree planting and stewardship, including community forestry activities that maintain and care for native trees and shrubs. The law took effect October 1.
Tree-Mendous is supported in part by donations from Marylanders. Individuals and organizations can contribute directly to the program, and Maryland vehicle owners can make a voluntary donation when registering or renewing a vehicle through the Motor Vehicle Administration.
The updated law allows those resources to support a wider range of projects, including stewardship, maintenance, education, and volunteer engagement alongside tree planting.
Community organizations seeking support can apply through the Maryland Forest Service’s Community Forestry Catalyst Fund, which offers access to Tree-Mendous and other available funding for stewardship, planting, and other community forestry projects.
“When Tree-Mendous was created nearly 40 years ago, public conversation was focused on countering forest loss with replanting,” said Maryland State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang. “Today, individuals and groups across Maryland are actively stewarding the forests and trees in their communities to keep them healthy and ensure their neighbors can enjoy their benefits. This update gives the state more flexibility to support those efforts.”
The change also supports Maryland’s broader efforts to care for and expand tree canopy, including through the state’s 5 Million Trees initiative, which seeks to plant and maintain five million trees by 2031.
Additional information about the Tree-Mendous Maryland Program, including eligibility and funding opportunities, is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
