LISBON — The village of Lisbon is among 27 communities and organizations receiving funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, which on Friday announced $2 million in awards under the Urban Forestry Grant Program.

Lisbon will receive $25,000 to support its urban forestry initiatives. Mayor Peter Wilson announced the village’s award several weeks ago, but ODNR officially released the full list of grant recipients this week.

“We’re proud to support local urban forestry efforts through these grants,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Healthy urban forests strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and ensure that more Ohioans can experience the lasting benefits trees provide.”

This grant round is the second and final phase of funding offered through the Urban Forestry Grant Program. Last year, ODNR awarded $5.5 million for 36 projects statewide. Grant awards in this cycle ranged from $25,000 to $100,000.

The Urban Forestry Grant Program is a statewide initiative that helps Ohio communities and nonprofits expand and improve their urban tree canopy. The program is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and administered by the USDA Forest Service, with a strong focus on equity and environmental justice under the federal Justice40 Initiative.

The program aims to:

— Expand tree canopy, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

— Enhance environmental quality by reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, and mitigating urban heat islands.

— Support urban forestry programs through planning, staffing, training, and program development.

— Strengthen local capacity to manage and grow urban forests.

— Promote Ohio industries, including nurseries, arboriculture, and landscaping, through tree-purchase and installation contracts.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and, in recent rounds, local governments. Funding levels vary, with emerging programs eligible for up to $50,000 and established programs eligible for up to $1 million. Recent cycles have offered awards between $15,000 and $100,000 for project-specific initiatives.

Urban forestry programs may use the funds for tree planting, risk mitigation, staff training, long-term planning, or restoring community tree canopy with large-stature, diverse species.

“We’re excited to build on the momentum of last year’s grant awards by offering this additional opportunity to help communities and organizations strengthen their urban forestry programs where trees are needed most,” said Carrie Morrow, Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager with ODNR. “This grant supports communities that often lack the capacity to grow and sustain their urban forests, benefiting their residents and ultimately all Ohioans.”