USDA Awards City $550,000 Grant to Plant and Maintain Trees in City

Published on October 12, 2023

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded the City of Winchester $550,000 to plant and maintain trees in specified areas of the City. The project, part of the USDA’s $1 billion Urban and Community Forestry Grant Initiative, will improve the City’s tree canopy, help combat extreme heat and climate change, and provide equitable access to nature in urban neighborhoods. The grant builds upon Mayor Smith’s October 7 Proclamation designating Winchester as a Tree City USA community for the 42nd consecutive year and Winchester’s enduring commitment to protecting our City’s trees and woodlands.  

Specifically, the project involves planting approximately 800 new trees, primarily in the northeast part of the City, over the next three to five years. City staff looks forward to working closely with the community to plan and implement this project and will provide more information on how residents can get involved in the coming weeks.