The Community Challenge Grants Program is part of the Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Arizona State Land Department has developed this grant to encourage projects that promote and enhance tree care and maintenance of trees.

Organizations such as cities, towns, non-profits and counties may apply for this funding.

Funds are not intended as a replacement for ordinary operating expenses. It is primarily directed toward projects that would not otherwise be funded. The grants awarded are to encourage citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustainable urban and community forestry programs at the local level.

The grant cycle is normally announced in the spring with the grants due in August.

For the 2007-08 Community Challenge Grant cycle, the grants have been divided into two categories.

• The basic Community Challenge Grant program will remain has it has been for the past several years.  Grants are provided for projects that are directed at improving the long term health and care of the urban forest, or those that initiate new urban forestry projects in Arizona communities.  These grants are available to communities, schools and non-profit organizations.  Click here for details and here for an application.

• This year, for the first time, grants will be awarded to communities seeking the Tree City USA designation.  Funds must be used to achieve requirements  as set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Click here for details and an application.

To receive more information on this program link with aztrees.org., or call (602)542-6191.

Arbor Days is part of the Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Every day is Arbor Day in Arizona. The state recognizes the last Friday of April as the official Arbor Day of Arizona.

The Arizona State Land Department has several programs which provide educational opportunities to the schools of the state. They are the poster contest, to encourage students to design an original poster depicting the theme for the year. Students then receive monetary stipends for winning.

Other Arbor Day activities include the Tree City USA Program, the Tree Line USA Program which are sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Community Tree Planting, Park Dedications, Earth Day Activities and the Governor Proclamation.

In addition to the Community Challenge Grants Program and the Arbor Days Program (described above), there are several other programs that are part of the Urban and Community Forestry Program.

The Arizona State Land Department sponsors, Tree Care Workshops, Conferences for Master Gardeners, Arborists and Tree Care Workers.

Educational materials are produced and used by various groups to promote tree care in their communities.

The Arizona Community Tree Council and its activities are sponsored by the Arizona State Land Departments Urban and Community Forestry Program.

To learn more about the program and its many partnerships, link to aztrees.org. , and www.treesfortherim.org