Community Forestry in Maryland
The Maryland Forestry Foundation (MFF) supports efforts to strengthen Maryland’s forests and trees by connecting people, resources, and opportunities for community involvement. Through partnerships with the Maryland Forest Service, the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC), local Forestry Boards, and other organizations, MFF helps advance community forestry across the state.
Community Forestry Catalyst Fund
The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund (CF2) is the Maryland Forest Service’s statewide grant program supporting forestry projects in Maryland communities. The program brings together funding opportunities previously offered through the standalone Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee grant program, giving applicants a single application pathway for a broader range of eligible community forestry projects.
The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council contributes to this effort by helping review grant applications and bringing local and professional perspectives to the process.
Learn more about the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund.
People Loving and Nurturing Trees (PLANT)
The PLANT Recognition Program (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) recognizes Maryland communities that demonstrate a commitment to planting, caring for, and managing their trees and forests. The program has historically celebrated the work of municipalities, schools, neighborhoods, civic organizations, and other groups working to improve and sustain their community forests.
Program status: PLANT is currently on hold and is not accepting applications.
For updates, visit the Maryland Forest Service’s PLANT program page.
Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council
The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) brings together people and organizations working to improve Maryland’s urban and community forests. Its members include local government representatives, forestry and arboriculture professionals, educators, nonprofit partners, and volunteers with experience in communities across the state.
The Council helps connect the Maryland Forest Service with the people doing community forestry work on the ground. Members share local knowledge, identify emerging needs, advise on programs and priorities, and help strengthen collaboration among practitioners. They also contribute to grant review and provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences.
Maryland’s cooperative approach to community forestry has a long history. Established in 1992 as a volunteer advisory group to the State Forester, the Maryland Community Forestry Council was reorganized in 2003 as the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee. Today, MUCFC continues to support connections between state forestry programs and the communities they serve.
