New This Year: Groves of Gratitude will be open to City of Annapolis Residents for the first time! The Order Forms for County and City of Annapolis Residents will launch in early October.

Thanks to our RePlant partners, WSA’s Groves of Gratitude fundraising initiative provides Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis residents with single native trees and pre-designed native tree bundles to plant on their properties for a suggested donation.

Planting trees through Groves of Gratitude provides you and your property with curated benefits such as increasing pollinator habitat, screening from roads or neighbors, shading for more efficient energy usage, and/or providing a sustainable food source.

To learn more about how to order and what trees are available this year, please see the information below. Order forms will launch in early October.

Meet our 2025 Community Partner: The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center

This year, The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center will receive 50% of the proceeds from every Groves of Gratitude purchase!

The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center is a unique local nonprofit organization located in Annapolis. For over 35 years, The Light House has provided shelter, transitional and supportive housing, homelessness prevention, and related support services to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Anne Arundel County. Its mission is to rebuild lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward employment, housing, and self-sufficiency. The Light House serves over 100 community members in need daily and this is only made possible thanks to the many dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who care!

More information about The Light House can be found on their website at www.annapolislighthouse.org. You can also follow The Light House on Facebook and Instagram @annapolislighthouse!

What to Know before You Order:

Ordering Your Trees:

• There will be two order forms for the 2025 season, one for Anne Arundel County residents and another form for City of Annapolis residents. Only City of Annapolis residents (who list a City of Annapolis address at time of ordering) will be permitted to order from the City of Annapolis order form.

• When you order your trees you will be asked to select from 3 different pick up locations. Scheduled pick-up days will vary based on location. Please be advised that your trees must be picked up from the location selected at time of ordering, on the scheduled pick-up days for that location.

• If you have lots of space to replant, we recommend purchasing 2+ groves. If you are limited in space, we recommend up to 4 single trees. A combination of grove and single trees is encouraged!

Tree options and their benefits:

The Groves and single trees have been updated below. The specific plant species and quantities per Grove will be updated in early-mid September.

New this year: Groves of Gratitude is open to City of Annapolis residents for the first time this year! Please note that there are different tree options available for County and City of Annapolis residents.

If you have questions, or if would like to stay informed about programmatic updates, please email replant@aawsa.org.

Tree Options Anne Arundel County residents

• Edible Groves consist of five small to medium, understory trees to create a native-sourced food grove.

• Pollinator Groves consist of five understory trees/shrubs planted to provide food sources for pollinators such as bees, birds, flies, moths, and beetles.

• Legacy Groves consist of four large shade trees providing the following benefits: a decrease in heating/cooling bills, an increase in property value, and tremendous wildlife value. These trees are each keystone species, which play a critical role in supporting their ecosystem by providing food and shelter to many foundational species like pollinators and birds.

• Screening Groves consist of three evergreen trees and two shrubs to provide screening from roads, neighbors, and wind. These plants providing a natural-looking screen, while also providing great wildlife value.

• Single trees are for those who are only looking to plant a few trees on their property. We will have five species available this season: Black gum, White oak, Atlantic white cedar, Eastern redbud, American holly.

For County residents: A donation of $60 per grove and $20 per single tree is suggested. If the donation is a barrier, residents may be eligible to receive Groves of Gratitude trees at a special discounted rate. Please reach out to replant@aawsa.org to inquire.

Tree Options for City of Annapolis residents

• Backyard Groves consist of two large shade trees and one small flowering tree, planted to provide food sources for wildlife such as pollinators and birds.

• Street Tree Groves consist of two small flowering trees and 1 large oak tree, providing shade, wildlife value, and beauty to your outdoor spaces. These trees have been selected for their popularity as common street trees.

• Single trees are for those who are only looking to plant a few trees on their property. We will have 4 species available this season: Black gum, River birch, American witch hazel, American holly.

For City of Annapolis residents: A donation of $45 per grove and $20 per single tree is suggested. If the donation is a barrier, residents may be eligible to receive Groves of Gratitude trees at a special discounted rate. Please reach out to replant@aawsa.org to inquire.

With Gratitude

We are thankful for the support of our partners who make this program possible. Trees and materials are funded by Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration and the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning.