Metroplan awards $5.9 Million for land restoration and tree planting across Central Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: Metroplan

The Metroplan Board of Directors has awarded $5.9 million to six projects focused on land restoration and tree planting across Central Arkansas, further advancing regional efforts to strengthen environmental resilience and expand green infrastructure.

Metroplan serves as the lead agency for the Energy and Environment Innovation for the Natural State Implementation Grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program. The overall grant includes $15.5 million designated for subawards to Central Arkansas municipalities, counties, and nonprofit partners to carry out Green Network projects aimed at preserving land, restoring natural areas, and planting trees.

Round 1 funding, awarded in May 2025, totaled $8,176,000. With the addition of Round 2 funding, projects supported to date will preserve 1,002 acres of land, restore 11,210 acres, and plant approximately 180,000 trees—surpassing the targets originally identified in the implementation grant.

Projects were evaluated in accordance with established program guidelines and at the direction of the Metroplan Board. The EPA did not select or endorse individual project awards.

Round 2 Green Network Subawards

• Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission – Land Restoration at Four Natural Areas – $256,900

• Central Arkansas Water – Landscape-Scale Land Restoration – $3,706,251

• City of Little Rock – Native Plant Restoration at Little Rock Zoo – $306,671

• City of Maumelle – Urban Tree Canopy – $39,616

• Tree Streets, Inc. – Street Trees on MLK Boulevard in Little Rock – $10,000

• UADA Cooperative Extension – Central Arkansas Tree Planting – $1,599,977

These investments reflect Metroplan’s commitment to environmental stewardship and regional collaboration. By supporting large-scale restoration efforts and urban tree canopy expansion, the projects aim to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, enhance wildlife habitat, and create healthier communities throughout Central Arkansas.

With funding now exceeding original performance targets, Metroplan and its partners continue to position the region as a leader in sustainable land management and climate-responsive planning.