Montgomery County Planning Program Recognized for Conservation and Climate Initiatives
Wheaton, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, a division of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has proudly announced that its Reforest Montgomery program has been awarded an Award of Merit by the American Planning Association (APA) as part of its Excellence in Sustainability Annual Awards. This accolade recognizes Reforest Montgomery’s significant contributions in the Environment, Climate, and Energy category, particularly in enhancing forest cover, bolstering climate resilience, and actively involving local residents and property owners in reforestation efforts throughout Montgomery County.
Staff members from the Reforest Montgomery initiative, along with departmental leaders, received the prestigious award during the Excellence in Sustainability Annual Awards ceremony at APA’s National Planning Conference held in Detroit last evening.
“This honor underscores the hard work of our dedicated team and the countless residents who have played a vital role in fostering a healthier, more resilient forest ecosystem,” remarked Christina Sorrento, Chief of the Environment & Climate Division at Montgomery Planning. “Reforestation and conservation are among the most effective strategies available to combat climate change on a local scale, and we are thrilled to have our team’s and community’s efforts acknowledged at a national level.”
Exploring Reforest Montgomery
The Reforest Montgomery initiative, supported by the Forest Conservation Fund, is dedicated to planting forests and trees across Montgomery County. Launched in 2020 as part of the Environment & Climate Division of Montgomery Planning, the program offers local residents multiple avenues to participate in reforestation endeavors while providing incentives for property owners to plant trees. Residents can find comprehensive details about available programs via the Reforest Montgomery website, which features an interactive map to help them identify their eligibility for various initiatives. This site also includes the Reforest Montgomery Dashboard, enabling residents to observe the positive results of local tree and forest-planting efforts, alongside an understanding of how each program contributes to a greener and healthier Montgomery County.
Highlights of Reforest Montgomery Programs:
- Native Trees Discount—Community members can download a $50 discount coupon for the purchase of qualifying native trees from six participating local nurseries. To date, over 5,000 such coupons have been redeemed.
- Free Shade Trees—Eligible homeowners can apply for complimentary shade tree planting, which enhances the canopy and cools neighborhoods. As of April 2026, the program has successfully planted 976 shade trees across the county.
- Parks Reforestation and Tree Planting Projects—These initiatives highlight ongoing reforestation efforts on county parkland, restoring natural habitats and enhancing ecological resilience. In collaboration with Pope Farm, Reforest Montgomery and Montgomery Parks have planted 370 large trees and various plant species in over 64 acres of county parkland since 2009.
- Forest Conservation Easements—Landowners holding an M-NCPPC forest conservation easement are eligible to apply for free reforestation projects aimed at fulfilling conservation objectives. A total of 10.57 acres have been successfully reforested thus far.
- Re‑Leaf the Reserve—This partnership with the Montgomery Countryside Alliance provides free trees in the Agricultural Reserve, promoting rural landscapes and watershed health. Over 24 acres have undergone reforestation.
- Tree Care and Tree Selection Resources—Residents receive essential guidance on effectively choosing, planting, and caring for trees, including those provided through Reforest Montgomery.
- MCPS Easement Reforestation Partnership—In conjunction with Montgomery County Public Schools, efforts are being made to enhance tree canopy on school properties. Since the fall of 2023, 38 trees have been planted.
Understanding the APA Excellence in Sustainability Awards
The American Planning Association’s Sustainable Communities Division actively supports planners in developing sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities through various resources, collaborative efforts, advocacy, and professional growth. The Excellence in Sustainability Awards recognize remarkable projects, policies, plans, and individuals that illustrate strong leadership in sustainability planning and execution.
The Environment, Climate, and Energy Award specifically honors projects that tackle climate mitigation or adaptation, efficiency in energy or water, renewable energy initiatives, green job creation, air quality improvement, green infrastructure, and similar environmental efforts. To learn more about the awards program, visit their website.
