Lake Champlain Basin Program Seeks Proposals for Native Tree Nursery Projects

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, has released a Request for Proposals for native tree nursery initiatives. 

The intent of this opportunity is to measurably enhance the native plant supply available for habitat conservation projects that benefit Lake Champlain. Funding will support organizations located in the United States that have the ability to sell or grow native trees and shrubs for conservation planting projects in the Lake Champlain basin. 

Awarded funding may be used for infrastructure investments and workforce development, with the goal of increasing capacity and reducing the cost of stems for conservation planting projects within the basin. 

“Restoring habitat across the Lake Champlain basin benefits water quality, wildlife, and our communities—and requires a robust supply of native trees and shrubs,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “This funding opportunity will support tree nurseries to increase their production while keeping costs stable for conservation partners.” 

Up to $1 million is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization. 

The awarded grants will support projects that advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on February 18, 2026. An informational webinar will be offered on January 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM (register here). Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in September 2026 and must be completed by June 2029. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants. 

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The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.