By Journal Staff

LANSING — Grant proposals for community tree-planting projects are being accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the 2023 DTE Energy Foundation partnership grant program.

This program supports tree planting projects in DTE Energy’s service area that reduce the effects of climate change, increase natural beauty and bring the benefits of trees to communities.

A legacy of tree planting is continued by a partnership of the DTE Energy Foundation, DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program and nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan with an annual grant program started in 1996.

This year, a total of $100,000 is available in 1-to-1 matching grants of up to $4,000. People should apply by Aug. 11. Grant awards will be announced in October. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2024. Visit bit.ly/467UYHT to apply.

In its lifetime, the program has helped plant 20 million trees and invest $3.6 million in Michigan forests and communities.