Mature forests in the piedmont provide homes to many wildlife species, and also help to filter our air and water and prevent erosion. However, these forest ecosystems are threatened by invasive species and by forest fragmentation resulting from development.

To address these concerns, the Landowner Incentive Program is funding tree planting and invasive species removal projects in Montgomery, Frederick, Carroll and Baltimore counties. These practices benefit a variety of wildlife including forest-interior bird species, rare plants, and aquatic organisms that depend upon clean water provided by forests.