Santa Fe, NM – With budgets tight in all areas, New Mexico schools, universities, local, state, federal and tribal entities are being encouraged to submit proposals for grant funding to plant trees through the New Mexico State Forestry Division’s Statehood Centennial Re-Leaf Program, according to New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer.

"As our state turns 100, I’m pleased to be partnering with New Mexico Centennial to help communities grow their urban forests,” said Blazer. “As New Mexico’s forested urban areas continue to expand, it is important to celebrate the long standing legacy and benefit trees provide."

Jodi Delaney, Director of the New Mexico Centennial, stated "The 2012 Centennial is an important moment for New Mexicans to envision the future of our state, and the Re-Leaf program is a perfect partnership to help bring that message to life."

New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf is an environmental education tree planting grant program that provides up to $6,000 for tree planting projects on public lands. Funded solely by private donations, the grants require a 20-percent in-kind match. Entities wishing to compete for grant funding must submit completed application forms by 3 pm on Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

Click here to read the full press release in .pdf format.