AUBURN –Project Canopy, the Maine Forest Service’s urban and community forestry program, has awarded a tree planting grant to the city of Auburn.

The grant funded the planting of 100 trees in Pettengill Park, Chestnut Park and along Whitney Street in October.

The project, in cooperation with TD Bank’s TD Tree Days, is a combined effort with the MFS and local public works to plant new trees in local communities in need to help increase protected forest habitat.

“We are very grateful to TD Bank for its investment of time and resources in improving the city of Auburn,” Jan Santerre, Project Canopy director, said. “This is a tremendous example of how the state can partner with private corporations for public good, a concept that is a touchstone of the LePage administration.”

“People understand instinctively that trees are vital to communities,” says Carrie Gallagher, ACTrees executive director. “They clean and filter the air, provide shade for streets and parks, and help to manage storm water and water pollution.”