About a year ago, Governor O’Malley launched the Marylanders Plant Trees program, with a goal of planting 50,000 trees by 2010. Approximately 22,000 trees have already been planted as a result of the program, and to encourage folks to continue participating, the State is offering $25 coupons, available at www.green.maryland.gov, for the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more at over 70 participating nurseries. If you're not into the actual planting part, but would like to contribute in some way, you can request that TREE-Mendous Maryland plant a tree for you through their Gift of Trees program.

Also, as a part of their 40 Trees in 40 Neighborhoods initiative, Greater Homewood Community Corporation has partnered with the Jones Falls Watershed Association, Tree Baltimore, Parks and People, and Herring Run Nursery to facilitate the plating of at least 1,600 trees in north central Baltimore neighborhoods. If you are looking for ways to increase the tree canopy in your neighborhood, would like assistance with a tree planting, a residential tree giveaway, or navigating the resources provided by the City, contact Audrey Stevens at astevens@greaterhomewood.org or visit GHCC's web site for more information about the initiative - many of the trees they have available for planting are FREE!

Image courtesy of Greater Homewood Community Corporation