Arbor Day grant awards announced
This year, 37 Arbor Day grants were awarded to Idaho communities in the amount of $300 each for “Planting Idaho”. Above, a celebration at a past Arbor Day event.
(Courtesy photo)
Two Bonner County cities have received Arbor Day grants from the Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association. Selected were Dover and East Hope.
This program, held in cooperation with Idaho Department of Lands, Avista, Rocky Mountain Power, and Idaho Power, helps communities celebrate Arbor Day, plant appropriate trees for energy conservation and fosters a stronger relationship between Idaho communities and the Nursery and Utility Industries.
A total of 37 Arbor Day grant applications were received and INLA officials said they were able to fund all of them.
This year grants of $300 each, will be available for communities to purchase trees, shrubs and related materials for their Arbor Day celebration. For the 21st consecutive year, Avista, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power, in partnership with IDL, have generously donated funds to support this program. The funds are a part of the Idaho Community Forestry Trust Account supported in part through the contributions of these utilities. All Idaho communities are encouraged to participate in the “Planting Idaho” program.
"The celebration of Arbor Day represents a priceless opportunity for kids and adults alike to take positive action to make their world a better place and to learn about trees and the environment," officials said in announcing the grant awards.
The first celebration of Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872. Arbor Day is officially celebrated in the U.S. and Idaho on the last Friday in April — this year April 28th. However, communities may be celebrating on a different day due to climate and planting conditions in their area.