JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently awarded 38 grants totaling $302,346 to Missouri communities through its Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant program.

According to the MDC, TRIM grants offer cost-share funding for government agencies, public schools and nonprofit groups to manage, improve or conserve trees on public lands.

St. Joseph Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facility received a $1,700 grant for Removal and Northwest Missouri State University received a $10,000 grant for Pruning and Removal.

“Trees make life better for our cities and towns every day,” said MDC Community Forestry Program Supervisor Russell Hinnah. “TRIM grants help communities with tree inventory, pruning, planting, and programs that help keep our neighborhood trees healthy and thriving.”

Trees work in Missouri communities by providing an amazing number of benefits — from cleaning the air and water to reducing stress and helping children concentrate. As with other natural resources, it takes active involvement to keep community trees thriving.

“Tree inventories are an important way for communities to manage and plan for the future,” said Hinnah. “You have to know not only where the trees are, but how to care for them. An inventory allows a community to thoughtfully plan work rather than responding to the latest disaster.”

A tree inventory is particularly important to prepare for invasive pests such as emerald ash borers (EAB). Several communities are conducting inventories this year that will help with management of EAB.

For more information on TRIM grants, visit MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov/trim.