Oct. 30, 2025

Contacts: Kerry Gray (DNR), 734-691-1806, Kayla Collins (DTE Energy Foundation), 313-235-5555 or Melinda Jones (ReLeaf Michigan)

DNR, DTE Energy Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan award funding to 25 communities to grow Michigan’s tree canopy

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, DTE Energy Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan today announced that 24 communities and organizations across the state will share $100,000 in grant funding and other assistance to expand tree canopy and strengthen local green infrastructure. This marks 29 years of collaboration among the three partners, who continue to invest in Michigan’s urban and community forests.

The funded projects will result in the planting of approximately 750 trees in public spaces, including streets, parks and community gathering areas, in fall 2025 and spring 2026.

“Across Michigan, communities recognize how vital trees are to building resilience, whether it’s reducing heat, improving air quality or supporting mental and physical health,” said Kerry Gray, grant specialist, DNR Urban and Community Forestry. “These grants help communities plant the right tree in the right place, creating lasting benefits for residents and the environment.”

The statewide program is funded by the DTE Foundation and administered jointly by the DNR and ReLeaf Michigan, offering grant support and project technical assistance to ensure successful plantings.

“Trees connect us — to our neighborhoods, our environment and each other,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan, we’re not just planting trees. We’re investing in cleaner air, stronger communities and a legacy of care that will grow for generations.”

The program engages communities, schools, nonprofits and local governments in environmental stewardship, neighborhood beautification and responsible tree planting away from utility infrastructure. Applications for the next round of funding will open in summer 2026.

Awardees

• Alcona County Commission on Aging (Alcona County)
• Arboretum Detroit (Wayne County)
• Cascade Charter Township (Kent County)
• City of Big Rapids (Mecosta County) 
• City of Ferndale (Oakland County) 
• City of Grandville (Kent County)
• City of Hamtramck (Wayne County)
• City of Oak Park (Oakland County)
• City of Port Huron (St. Clair County)
• City of Southfield (Oakland County)
• City of Southgate (Wayne County)
• City of St. Clair Shores (Macomb County)
• City of Sterling Heights (Macomb County)
• Detroit Horse Power (Wayne County)
• Emmet County
• Grand Traverse Conservation District (Grand Traverse County) 
• Kent County
• Lawrence Technological University (Oakland County)
• Macomb County
• Port Huron Housing Commission (St. Clair County)
• St. Clair County
• Village of Dryden (Lapeer County)
• Village of Peck (Sanilac County)
• Woodbridge Neighborhood Development Corporation (Wayne County)

Program partners

The DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program helps municipalities and other organizations promote and manage trees and forests by providing education, financial and technical assistance. To learn about the UCF program, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-582-3209 or visit Michigan.gov/UCF. For those planting this fall, don’t forget to log your trees in our MI Trees mapper as part of the DNR’s pledge to plant and maintain 50 million trees statewide by 2030. 

ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide tree organization that works to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them. Communities and organizations interested in volunteer tree plantings or educational events should visit ReleafMichigan.org, email or call 800-642-7353.

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy with a strong legacy of community support and involvement. In 2024, the Foundation provided $14.5 million in grant support to 375 nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has a business presence, with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in priority giving areas: arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment and human needs. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires to be the best in the world and the best for the world. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.