On Monday, Dec. 21, The Woodlawn Conservancy, Inc. announced that it is to be the recipient of two grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). One grant, in the amount of $56,250 will support tree maintenance and another, in the amount of $35,000, will support an urban forest management plan.

 

Woodlawn Cemetery is a 400-acre, national historic landmark, and a Level II Arboretum (a botanical garden devoted to trees) with more than 6,000 trees on its grounds. In reference to the grant, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health.”

 

Reacting to news of the grants, Mitch Rose, president and CEO of Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy said, “Woodlawn Conservancy is pleased to be a recipient of these grant funds. This funding will heighten our efforts to manage our urban forest, and enhance a space where neighbors and visitors can enjoy this unique, peaceful, setting, while at the same time contributing to a healthier and greener New York City. “

 

Woodlawn was among 38 projects selected from a total of 154 applications to receive funding. They were ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders. The urban forestry grants complement DEC’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl.

 

Over the last nine years, New York State has funded more than $11.4 million in grants to support projects with a total value of more than $18.3 million.