Forestry and Forested Land Protection in Maryland

The Anne Arundel County Forestry and Forested Land Protection Grant Program is a collaborative initiative between Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program aims to promote ecological restoration and conservation through reforestation, afforestation, and the permanent protection of forested lands in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a nonprofit organization with a long-standing history of supporting environmental restoration throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Since its inception in 1985, the Trust has awarded over $190 million in grants to a variety of organizations, including municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and public agencies. The primary objectives of this grant program are to increase tree cover and green spaces within the county, thereby improving soil and water quality, filtering airborne pollutants, and reducing summer temperatures and energy usage. Projects supported by this grant can fall into three tracks: reforestation and afforestation of protected lands, permanent protection of existing forested lands, and a combination of reforestation/afforestation and protection of previously unprotected lands. The program is focused on ecological benefits such as establishing riparian buffers, preserving large tracts of contiguous forest, and creating habitat for wildlife. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, faith-based entities, community associations, civic groups, public agencies, and institutions of higher education. Projects located within the City of Annapolis are not eligible. Up to $755,300 is available for the current funding round, with a preference for projects located in designated priority watershed areas. While matching funds are encouraged to strengthen proposals, they are not required. Applications must be submitted online by July 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff at least two weeks before the deadline to receive guidance and ensure alignment with program goals. The application involves completing eligibility and applicant information, describing the project scope, timeline, deliverables, and budget, and submitting supporting documentation such as letters of commitment from project partners and a completed narrative template for the applicable track. Evaluation of proposals is based on several criteria including project type and location, application completeness, ecological and community impact, long-term sustainability, budget justification, and the potential for replication in other communities. Awards will be announced in October 2025. Contact for technical support and inquiries is Whitney Vong, Program Officer at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, available via email at [email protected] or phone at 410-974-2941 ext. 122.