Trees Forever

Join us in planting a better tomorrow.

A fall tree planting collaboration between ReLeaf and GreatAmerica Financial Services took place last week! Together, 14 volunteers were able to plant 40 trees in Cedar Rapids. We couldn't have asked for an even more beautiful, crisp fall day to get outside!

Applications due November 1! Trees Forever’s Illinois Community Canopy Tree Planting grant program funds projects that diversify canopies in disadvantaged Illinois communities. Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 may be used for projects including planting trees along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more. Apply online at https://lnkd.in/gfaHHwDf

Growing Futures is still going strong! Thank you to the Rotary Club of West Des Moines for helping out with planting last weekend. They also know the key to our high school employees’ hearts – free food! 🍩🍩🍩

We are out planting today with International Paper at the Tuma Sports Complex! Big thank you to both International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation for collaborating on this special project. These new trees will bring shade, block wind, and provide beautiful canopy for the young athletes of the Cedar Rapids metro! 

Earlier this season our field staff took part in a deployment of the Illinois Urban Forest Strike Team to the Illinois Beach State Park campground. Thirteen arborists from various organizations volunteered to survey and assess trees in the park following a damaging storm. This work will assist the Illinois DNR in planning for a healthy canopy recovery in the park. Great effort by many top professionals!

There's still time to get your Black Hills Energy Power of Trees grant application in! Get up to $5,000 for a volunteer tree planting in your community. Power of Trees is a partnership between Black Hills Energy, Trees Forever, and local volunteers to conduct tree plantings that save energy, beautify communities and enhance the environment. It is offered to Iowa communities served by Black Hills Energy. Learn more and apply online at https://lnkd.in/ggHCVUsf

Last week we had dueling plantings with Voss Distributing in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. The two crews planted a combined 110 trees throughout our metro areas! We won’t say which team planted more trees, but it was a “capital” effort by all involved. 😉

Wowee! Our volunteers from MidAmerican Energy Company and Andersen were really moving last week – the team got 79 trees planted in under three hours in West Des Moines. Nice hustle! 

Applications are due soon! Organize a volunteer planting project in your community and get up to $5,000 towards the cost of trees. The Alliant Energy Community Tree Planting Program is a partnership designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and community stewardship through tree planting projects. The program is offered exclusively to communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service in Iowa and Wisconsin. Apply online by November 1 at https://lnkd.in/egNKJAgU