Applications now being accepted for 2011 TD Green Streets

$300,000 in funding available for tree planting initiatives

TORONTO, Oct. 6 /CNW/ - Municipalities across Canada that want to increase 'trunk space' in their community are being invited to submit an application for funding to help bring more trees to their communities. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) and Tree Canada are now accepting applications to the 2011 TD Green Streets program, a national tree program that partners with communities who are working to make a tangible improvement to urban environments.

"Canadians want to see trees line their main streets. Last year, TD Green Streets received a record 110 applications for funding for projects ranging from creating a 'living wall' of trees along a major roadside to establishing a natural green space in a downtown area," says Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. "We want to keep up this momentum. We're encouraging municipalities and First Nations communities to apply for funding for their tree planting initiatives so we can continue to help make our communities greener places to live, work and play."

TD FEF, through its TD Green Streets program, will award 20 communities with grants for planting and maintaining trees in 2011.

An increase in trees can have a significant impact to a community. Benefits of urban trees include:

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    -   Energy conservation, including reduced demand for air conditioning
        thanks to increased shade
    -   Carbon dioxide absorption
    -   Oxygen production
    -   Trees and shrubs are effective insulation against noise
    >>

How to apply for TD Green Streets funding

The 2011 TD Green Streets program is now accepting applications from Canadian municipalities, First Nations communities and Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Based on the community size and need, grants of up to $15,000 are given with a maximum of 50 per cent of the funding allocated towards the cost of tree planting. The remaining funds can be used for inventory, maintenance and educational activities. Funding applications are available online at www.tdgreenstreets.ca.

How municipalities are chosen

All submissions are reviewed by regional Tree Canada advisors, board members, urban forest practitioners and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation representatives. Winners are selected based on innovation, community involvement and technical expertise. Communities who have already received TD Green Streets funding are also eligible to apply under this year's program.

"We are pleased to be working with TD Friends of the Environment Foundation again this year as we encourage the adoption of leading-edge practices in municipal forests by communities across Canada," says Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. "It is our goal to raise awareness about the numerous benefits trees bring to a community and TD FEF has helped us make significant strides in educating Canadians."

To apply for funding from TD Green Streets visit www.tdgreenstreets.ca. Applications are being accepted until December 17, 2010. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2011.

About Tree Canada:

Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. A winner of the Canadian Environmental Award (2007), Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, more than 76 million trees have been planted, more than 450 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has organized 9 national urban forest conferences. More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $53 million in funding to over 19,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. Thousands of donors give to TD FEF on a monthly basis and TD Bank Financial Group contributes in excess of $1 million annually. TD also covers the management costs of running TD FEF, which guarantees 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to funding environment and wildlife projects in the community where the donation was made. For more information on how to donate and get involved in your community, visit www.tdfef.com.

*http://www.treecanada.ca/publications/trivia.htm