(CLEVELAND) January 6, 2023 – The Holden Arboretum is pleased to announce the nonprofit organization is slated to receive $335,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022. This earmark will support Holden’s Forest Resiliency and Conservation and Canopy Coverage Expansion Project, promoting science, conservation, and urban forestry. The funds will be administered by the United States Forest Service.

“We thank Senator Sherrod Brown for his leadership on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and Agriculture Committee. The Senator understands the many benefits of improving urban tree canopy and continues to champion action to expand coverage as well as protect the forested lands of Ohio and the Great Lakes region from disease and other threats,” said Joel Alpern, Interim co-President & CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens. 

“Trees are important for Ohio communities and are the best tool for combatting heat and rising surface temperatures in cities of all sizes,” said Senator Brown. “This investment in the Holden Arboretum will protect our existing forests, promote conservation and expand the tree canopy while training students in seed preservation and urban forestry.”

“We are thrilled to receive this critical investment for our work in science, conservation and urban forestry that serves to protect our environment right here in Northeast Ohio, and well as the broader Great Lakes region,” said David Burke, PhD, Vice President of Science & Conservation at Holden Forests & Gardens.

The funding will support a full-time seedbank technician and training for students in seed preservation research and urban forestry, as well as purchase trees for planting in the Northeast Ohio community.

Holden Arboretum was the only Ohio constituent to be approved for U.S. Forest Service funds in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Senator Brown was able to secure more than $180,367,042 for 100 Ohio community projects in the bill.

About Holden Forests & Gardens
Holden Forests & Gardens is made up of two of Northeast Ohio’s most important environmental and cultural institutions — the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden — whose mission is to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. One of the largest public gardens in the country, Holden Forests & Gardens has over 18,000 member households and an annual attendance of over 300,000 for whom we strive to provide inspirational and educational visitor experiences. Holden’s science, conservation and urban forestry work is widely acclaimed and helping to save native trees in the Great Lakes region and beyond. For more information, visit holdenfg.org.

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