The Montgomery County Planning Department announced on April 28 that its Reforest Montgomery program has received an Award of Merit from the American Planning Association’s Excellence in Sustainability Annual Awards. The recognition was given in the Environment, Climate, and Energy category for the program’s work in expanding forest cover, improving climate resilience, and involving residents and property owners in reforestation efforts throughout Montgomery County.
The award was presented to Reforest Montgomery staff and department leadership during a ceremony at the National Planning Conference held by the American Planning Association (APA) in Detroit. The honor highlights local efforts to address environmental challenges through community engagement and conservation programs.
Christina Sorrento, Chief of the Environment & Climate Division at Montgomery Planning, said: “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the thousands of residents who have helped us grow a healthier, more resilient forest ecosystem. Reforestation and conservation are among the most powerful tools we have to address climate change locally, and we are proud to see our team’s and our community’s commitment recognized on a national stage.”
Reforest Montgomery began in 2020 within Montgomery Planning’s Environment & Climate Division. Supported by the Forest Conservation Fund, it offers residents options for participating in reforestation initiatives as well as incentives for planting trees. The program’s website provides information about available programs, an interactive map showing eligibility for property owners, and a dashboard displaying data on tree-planting impacts across Montgomery County.
Program highlights include native tree discounts—over 5,000 coupons reimbursed so far—free shade trees with nearly 1,000 planted countywide as of April 2026; ongoing parkland reforestation projects covering more than 64 acres since 2009; conservation easement plantings totaling over ten acres; rural partnerships resulting in over 24 acres reforested; guidance resources for tree care; and school collaborations adding dozens of new trees since fall 2023.
The APA Sustainable Communities Division organizes these awards annually to recognize leadership in sustainability planning nationwide. According to APA guidelines, projects honored under this category address issues such as climate mitigation or adaptation strategies, energy efficiency measures or renewable energy adoption.
