The Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2009 Arbor Day Mini Grant program. The program is administered by the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry program with funding from the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry.

The purpose of the Arbor Day Mini Grant program is to highlight Arbor Day and the role that trees and forests play in our everyday lives. Grants of up to $200 may be requested for planting trees on public lands, hosting an Arbor Day celebration or purchasing natural resource-related materials for libraries.

"Arbor Day is an opportunity to encourage the planting, protection and preservation of trees and shrubs. In doing so, we also teach our children to appreciate these and other wonderful natural resources," said Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division.

Local units of government, including cities, townships, villages, public educational institutions (K-12, college, university), public libraries, non-profit organizations, neighborhood organizations (501(c)3 or equivalent), churches and tribes are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by Nov. 13, 2008.

Fifty grants will be awarded through a random selection process. All grants require matching funds equal to the awarded amount. Matching funds may include cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal funds. Grant money will be paid upon project completion. Grant projects must be completed by June 30, 2009.

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. Its founder, J. Sterling Morton, had a love of trees that he developed during his upbringing in Michigan. He missed the vibrant array of trees and forests in Michigan and so he championed a tree planting holiday to help replant trees that had been cleared in Nebraska for building materials, fuel and firewood. Arbor Day was first celebrated in Michigan in 1885 and has continued to be celebrated each year since. Michigan celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday in April.

For more information or to obtain a grant application, contact Kevin Sayers, at 517-241-4632, or visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrucf.