Nonprofits Urban Tree Alliance and Operation Fresh Start are each receiving federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to plant and maintain trees in under-forested areas of Madison, The Capital Times reports. Projects will add tree coverage to improve climate resiliency and increase green spaces for residents, as well as provide workforce training in urban forestry.
Roughly $450,000 in federal funding will allow for the already begun Urban Tree Alliance grant project to continue in partnership with other local organizations like Wisconsin EcoLatinos, Urban Triage, and the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission. The project, with a grant period of three years, will identify areas in need, connect with landowners, obtain area-appropriate tree varieties, and plant and maintain trees.
Operation Fresh Start’s project will incorporate job training for young individuals who faced education barriers in the past, preparing them for careers in urban forestry. The grant project will be a collaboration between the organization’s Legacy program and its Conservation Academy. Operation Fresh Start will receive just over $388,000 for the project over three years.
