Local groups have just a couple more weeks to apply for grant money to buy trees to beautify the community.

The Bucks County Airport Authority offers the grant program, which pays to buy the trees. The deadline to apply is Dec. 30.

Each year, the authority offers grants for trees to be planted in local parks, schoolyards, or other public spaces in Bucks County. The authority pays for the cost of buying the trees, but grant recipients must arrange for and fund the planting and maintenance of the donated trees.

The Airport Authority, which runs the Doylestown Airport, the Quakertown Airport and the Vansant Airport, in Erwinna, started the grant program in 1998. The idea was to compensate for times when the airports must remove or trim trees near the airstrips.

To apply, send a written request to Colleen Raterman, Administrator, Bucks County Airport Authority, P.O. Box 1185, Doylestown, PA 18901.

The request should specify the number and variety of trees requested and where they would be planted. It also must acknowledge the recipient's obligation to plant and maintain the trees in healthy condition.

Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 30.