MDC provides TRIM grant to support urban forest education
Joplin Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and their Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) Grant program. TRIM grants assist Missouri communities with the management, improvement and/or conservation of their trees and forests.
Joplin received a $3,055 grant to provide forestry training and education for both City staff and the general public. Grant funding allowed four staff members to the 74th Annual Conference and Trade Show of the Midwestern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture earlier this year. Staff attended educational seminars on topics such as urban forest management, work safety, and arboriculture growth.
A brochure display case with information about the benefits of trees to the environment, mulching information, and tree selection and care were also purchased with grant funds. This information is free to the public at the Parks and Recreation administration office, 3301 West 1st Street, and available following the reopening of the office in upcoming weeks.
TRIM is a competitive, cost-share tree care program administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the Missouri Community Forest Council. The program assists government agencies, public schools, and nonprofit groups with the management, improvement, or conservation of trees on public lands. Projects eligible for TRIM funding include tree inventory, removal or pruning of hazardous trees, tree planting, and training of volunteers and city/county employees to best care for our community forests.
The City of Joplin has received TRIM grants in the past for tree planting and pruning, inventory of the City’s trees, and educational programs. This type of support from the Missouri Department of Conservation is beneficial to the City in maintaining its Tree City USA status.