The city of Casa has been awarded an Urban and Community Forestry Community Assistance Grant by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division. 

The Casa project, “Healthy Shade Food Forest” will be led by Patti Baskin, who will oversee the care and maintenance of the trees.   The city is currently planning for planting over 60 fruit and nut trees in the city park area with plans on including a walking trail soon.

“Our goal is to give the residents in our community and surrounding area access to fresh, locally grown healthy fruit and get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors,” said Mayor Loyra Rainey.  “With just a little bit of effort from our residents, we can really make a difference in the lives of people in the area.  This is a great program and opportunity that the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has afforded us.” 

The program will have an emphasis on teaching the residents in the community about the importance of having local healthy foods and how to care for and maintain other trees in the community.  “This is a great start to a working partnership with the Forestry Division, and with their help and expertise, we will continue to make Casa a community that our residents love.”, said Rainey, “We already have a list of volunteers, and we hope to start planting soon.”   

The grant review committee ranked proposals based on program criteria including how much the proposed project’s implementation plan will improve a community’s tree management program; level of community involvement; educational components; and tree care and long-term maintenance planning.

Communities that participate in the Tree City USA, Tree Campus, and Tree Line programs received additional ranking points. Urban and Community Forestry Grants are administered by the Forestry Division and are funded through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Projects funded in 2021 must be completed by August 31, 2023. For more information about the grant, contact Krissy Kimbro at kristine.kimbro@agriculture.arkansas.gov or 479-228-7929.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested in volunteering or working on this project, please contact Michelle Donnelly at Casa City Hall at (501) 233-6210.