Contact: Mike Cusimano
                                                                                                  Phone: 336-373-2150

City Opens 2011 NeighborWoods Grant Program

GREENSBORO, NC (January 19, 2011) – The City of Greensboro is now accepting applications for its 2011 NeighborWoods Grant. The program provides trees to Greensboro neighborhoods to help replace those that have been damaged or lost. 

The NeighborWoods Grant - a partnership between the City of Greensboro, Greensboro Beautiful Inc. and the NC Cooperative Extension Service - provides up to 150 trees and mulch for one neighborhood each year. NeighborWoods representatives also work with residents to educate and assist them in the planting and maintenance of the trees.  

A study conducted in 2001 indicates that Greensboro lost 18% of its tree canopy between 1984 and 2000. The NeighborWoods program plays a critical role in the reforestation of Greensboro as past grants have been responsible for planting hundreds of trees in several neighborhoods throughout the city.

Funding for the NeighborWoods program is provided through generous support from the American Express Charitable Fund and private donations made to the Greensboro Beautiful Tree Fund. Anyone interested in providing funds to purchase trees and mulch for the program should contact Greensboro Beautiful at 336-373-2199.

Applications are available on the City’s website here and are due by May 31, 2011. For more information, contact Greensboro Urban Forester Mike Cusimano at 336-373-2150.

                                                                  # # #

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.