The GCA Zone VI Fellowship in Urban Forestry
Founded in 1913, The Garden Club of America is a nonprofit organization comprised of 199 member clubs with over 18,000 club members throughout the United States. To promote greater understanding of the interdependence of horticulture, environmental protection, and community involvement, GCA offers 29 different merit-based scholarships across 12 areas of study and annually awards over $500,000. About Casey Trees: In pursuit of its mission to restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital, Casey Trees (CT) delivers a broad base of programs and services to the DC Metro area. The organization plants more than 6,500 trees each year grown at our own nursery; cares and maintains those trees; conserves greenspace; conducts school and community-based youth STEM programming; and advocates for stronger policies and laws to preserve trees across the area. Casey Trees emphasizes innovative solutions and working with diverse partners to advance and promote tree canopy solutions that meet the needs of the communities that we serve. Purpose: To advance the field of urban forestry by encouraging students to study the planning, management, horticulture and ecology of urban forests and the effect of healthy urban forests on people and the environment. Award: The fellowship funds students annually, up to $7,500, for study and research that will advance knowledge of urban forestry and increase the number of scientists in the field. Eligibility: Open to graduate or advanced undergraduate students that are studying urban forestry, environmental studies, horticulture, forestry, or related courses of study with a special interest in the urban forest. Students must be enrolled during the academic year following the award decision. Eligibility is open to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in a U.S. – based institution. Selection: Selection is a panel of people knowledgeable about research in the field of urban forestry comprised of Casey Trees committee members, appointed by Casey Trees and is approved by the GCA Scholarship Committee.
Application Process:
- Applicants should complete the online application. Be prepared to upload a curriculum vitae (CV) at the time of your electronic application form submission. Preview the questions here.
- At minimum, include:
- Relevant education, work, and volunteer experience
- Publications and presentations
- Career goals
- A letter of endorsement directly emailed from applicant’s major professor/advisor and signed by the student’s faculty advisor and submitted to: gcaurbanforestry@caseytrees.org by 11:59 on January 15, 2027 with the name of the student in the subject line. The letter should:
- Identify the student
- Indicate the status of the student in the program
- Evaluate the students ability as an independent researcher.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027- Applications are not considered complete until the letter of endorsement is received. Final award decisions are made in late March. Fellowship recipients will receive official notification from the Garden Club of America. If you have any questions concerning the award application or eligibility requirements, please contact us at gcaurbanforestry@caseytrees.org.