Summer 2023 Community and Urban Forestry Newsletter
*To view previous newsletters visit our website at CUF Newsletter *
Mount Ayr Community Spotlight
The community of Mount Ayr celebrated Arbor Day this year by commemorating its 20th anniversary of being recognized as a Tree City USA. Part of the festivities included a concert by the local high school marching band, a free tree giveaway sponsored by Newton County Soil & Water Conservation District, and a ceremonial tree planting. Find out how your community can become a Tree City USA.
Events & Volunteer Opportunities
When: Thursday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis
Why: Urban forests are slowly popping up across the U.S. as government officials learn of the potential benefits they may have on the environment. Not only do urban forests have a positive impact on the sustainability of the environment, but there also monetary and human health benefits. Using the health impact assessment (HIA) methodology, a graduate research team at Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health – IUPUI evaluated a highly vulnerable community within Indianapolis to determine the effects of increasing tree canopy coverage. This program explores both the positive and negative impacts of urban forestry from a public health perspective and provides recommendations to optimize such efforts. Sign up here.
Tree Stewards
We are still in the process of organizing Tree Steward training events for 2023. At this time, we do not have any dates or locations to announce for trainings but please continue to check your email and our website for updates. If you have not done so already, please complete the survey below regarding past Tree Steward training events. Doing so will help us make sure we are providing a worthwhile training event.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/g/SnM9zpcip2
Grant updates
The deadline for 2021 CUFA Grants is June 30. Please be sure to have all projects completed and reimbursement requests submitted before the deadline. As always, contact our office if you need help. Below you can find a survey regarding our current grant program and process. Please complete the survey if you have been awarded funds through our program in the past or wish to receive funding in the future. Completing this survey will help us ensure that we are offering programs and funding amounts that fit your urban forestry needs.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/g/NUzhn28vzf
Should ash trees still be protected from emerald ash borer?
Do you have questions about what to do about the ash trees in your community or on your property? The Purdue Landscape Report recently published an article with advice regarding some of the most frequently questions about ash trees and emerald ash borer. The article can be found here.
Indiana Arborist Association (IAA) Events (all times are local)
Certified Arborist Prep Course and Exam
June 28-29, Forest Park, Noblesville
8 a.m.– 4 p.m., June 28
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., June 29 (exam to follow for eligible attendees)
Registration link
Midwest Cut and Lift Symposium and Crane Certification
July 16 – 19, Indianapolis Parks (TBD)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Link
TRAQ Renewal Course and Exam
Aug. 21–Franklin
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 28
Registration link
TRAQ Full Course and Exam
Aug. 22-24–Franklin
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Aug. 22
8 a.m.– 5 p.m., Aug. 23
8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Aug. 24 (exam)
Registration link
Indiana 2023 Saluting Branches (2 Locations)
September 20
Registration for Crown Hill National Cemetery.
Registration for Indiana Veterans Home Cemetery.
Indiana 2023 Tree Climbing Competition AND Aerial Rescue Training
Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Sept 29-Aerial Rescue Training (lunch included)
Sept. 30-Climbing Competition
Oct. 1-Master’s Climb
Registration is here.
Indiana Urban Forestry Advisory Council Update
Hello Indiana Urban Forestry Friends,
Later this summer the Indiana Community and Urban Forestry (CUF) program will announce its pass-through CUFA (Community & Urban Forestry Assistance) grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Indiana is eligible to receive these funds from the U.S. Forest Service because Indiana has a community and urban forestry program coordinator, an urban and community forestry council, state program strategic planning, and coordinates volunteerism/partnerships. Our state leadership recognizes that a great deal of good can come of these grant funds by passing them through to communities and partnerships requesting funding needed for the planning and care of their urban forest. There are many other grants for urban forestry available to our communities annually. To name a few:
To prepare for a grant a community should:
- Review the grant guidelines looking for project budget limits, purpose, and outcome.
- Begin online application submission early
- Review necessary forms and information
- Search for addendums or FAQs
- Consult local action plans for urban forestry identified actions or connections.
- Work with a team of like-minded people to come up with a scope of work.
- Create an outline or list of project objectives with the desired approach and deliverables
- Cross check that deliverables meet local needed action and grant requirements
- Create a budget to obtain deliverables
- Request quotes from local contractors or suppliers to develop a realistic budget
- Follow the grant guidelines to determine submission format and information requirements
- Have a lead grant writer
- Have a review team
- Reach out to potential partners early as there may be necessary letters of support
- Submit early to allow for confirmation of receipt
- If the grant is an annual grant begin preparations before the grant announcement season
Your Indiana Urban Forestry Advisory Council thanks the Indiana community for the numerous and creative past CUFA project requests. We encourage you to fill out this CUFA Grant survey, as it will help CUF better understand how they can continue to serve you best.
Sincerely,
Your Executive Board
Aren Flint, Chair
Paula Brooks
Sarah Mincey
Jerome Delbridge
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