Waukon partners with Black Hills Energy and Trees Forever to bring "Power of Trees"

Volunteers and community leaders in Waukon are planting trees to provide more shade, save energy and beautify the community, all through the “Power of Trees.” The local effort is a partnership between the community, Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy’s company-wide Power of Trees program and is designed to educate the public about the benefits of trees by providing the tools and resources for community tree plantings.
“We’re looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy to plant more trees this year,” says Ken Olson of the Waukon Trees Forever chapter. “With their help, we are literally growing a better environment while making Waukon healthier, more vibrant and more energy efficient.”
Trees Forever administers the community tree planting program and provides technical and on-site assistance for local projects. Black Hills Energy provides grant funding for the selected communities within its service territory that is matched by participants with local funds, discounts, in-kind services, and labor. Community volunteers plan and choose planting sites, select species, order trees, and enlist community volunteers and additional funding support.
“Black Hills Energy’s company-wide Power of Trees program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and sustainability, and community stewardship,” said Laura Roussell, external affairs manager for Black Hills Energy. “Our partnership with Trees Forever and community volunteers is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate for great results in the communities we serve.”
“Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy are very excited to support this great project, as we know it will provide years and years of beauty and benefits to the community,” says Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever Founding President. “We want to thank our local volunteers for their hard work and their dedication to improving the environment and quality of life in Waukon. Together, we can all make a wonderful difference in the places we live, work and play.”

Black Hills Energy’s Power of Trees program will award $62,900 in grants to assist 27 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this year alone; Waukon received $3,500 for its tree-planting project.
“Planting trees helps lower residential and commercial energy costs and helps reduce peak electric demand, and also provides our community with many other long-term health, economic, social and environmental benefits,” said Roussell. “We’re looking forward to a great planting season.”
Those who would like to volunteer to help plant and care for the trees in Waukon should call Ken Olson at 563-568-4612, or Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269, ext. 10. Additional information on the Power of Trees program, and how to apply, is also available at www.treesforever.org and www.blackhillsenergy.com.

Trees Forever is a non-profit organization based in Marion committed to planting trees, encouraging community involvement and stewardship, and caring for the environment. Programs focus on improving air and water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, providing substantial energy savings and beautifying landscape. For more information visit www.treesforever.org or call 800-369-1269.