Cities are eligible for the EcoConnexions From the Ground Up Grants of up to $25,000 for beautification and public greening projects in communities served by the funding source. Funded projects will enhance the natural environment through landscaping, ground cover improvement, floral displays, and healthy urban forests. Priority will be given to highprofile, significant landscapes that are accessible to the public and are in need of beautification. CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up supports collaborative community greening projects that enhance landscapes in communities neighboring CN rail lines to meet the following objectives:
- Enhance the quality of life in cities, villages, and townships.
- Promote public health benefits through the proper planting and care of trees and plants.
- Ensure that community landscapes provide ecosystem services – clean air and water, increased property values, reduced erosion and stormwater runoff, wildlife habitat, moderated temperatures, lessened energy demands, and year-round enjoyment.
- Enhance community tree canopy by properly planting diverse, quality trees for long-term sustainability and resistance to future pests.
- Beautify community gateways and create significant landscapes demonstrating the contribution of flowers and plants to growing community pride and economic vitality.
- Leverage CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant support to catalyze strong and enduring community partnerships to undertake and sustain community greening efforts.
- Provide opportunities for CN and its neighbors to work together towards shared goals of environmental stewardship.
- Support long-term community greening through ongoing involvement in America in Bloom.
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