The City of Renton’s North Renton Neighborhood Tree Planting project has received a $10,000 grant from the 2011 Community Forestry Assistance Program.

The grant is funded by Washington Department of Natural Resources with additional funding from the USDA Forest Service. Nineteen grants have been awarded and Renton is one of two communities to receive a grant for tree planting. This is the first time in 15 years that a grant has been awarded for tree planting.

The grant program is offered annually for urban forestry planning, management, and education projects. The city was recognized with this grant  because of its urban forestry program, its status as a Tree City USA community, and its urban forestry strategic plan, and because of the benefits the trees will provide to the Puget Sound and the impact on climate change.

More than 50 trees will be planted by volunteers next year during the city’s annual Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 28.

“By planting these trees we are protecting our streams, improving water quality, providing shade, helping our habitat and natural beauty and increasing property values,” said Terry Flatley, Renton’s Urban Forestry and Natural Resources manager.

For more information, contact Terry Flatley at 425-766-6187 or by email at tflatley@rentonwa.gov. To participate in this year’s Earth Day and Arbor Day event on Saturday, April 30, contact the Community Services Department at 425-430-6600 or visit rentonwa.gov.