Waukon Trees Forever receives grant funding from Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy for annual tree planting event

Volunteers and community leaders in Waukon are preparing to plant trees that will provide more shade, save energy and beautify the community through the statewide Trees Forever effort, along with Black Hills Energy's Power of Trees program and the Branching Out program by Alliant Energy.
The Waukon Trees Forever Chapter was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Power of Trees program and a $2,500 grant from the Branching Out program to plant trees in Waukon. That annual tree planting event is scheduled for April 28 (see additional information in shaded box accompanying this article).
“We’re looking forward to working with Trees Forever, Black Hills Energy and Alliant Energy to plant more trees this year in Waukon,” says Dr. 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. We are saving energy, cleaning the air, reducing storm water run-off, and keeping our community cooler in the summer.”
Planting trees helps lower energy costs and helps reduce peak electric demand. Trees also provide many other long-term health, economic, social and environmental benefits to the community. Community volunteers plan and choose planting sites, select species, order trees, enlist community volunteers and raise local matching funds and in-kind contributions.
“Trees Forever is very excited to participate in 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.”
Trees Forever administers the Branching Out program throughout Iowa, providing technical and planning support to participating communities. Alliant Energy funds the overall program, and provides project grants to the communities. The Branching Out program will award more than $156,595 in grants to assist 49 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this spring.
“Energy efficiency is important to everyone, and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers become more aware of the benefits that trees have to offer,” said Tom Aller, president of Alliant Energy’s Interstate Power and Light. “We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them.”
Branching Out grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles in the spring and fall. The next application deadline is June 1 for fall 2012 projects, and award recipients will be announced in August. Applications are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/branchingout or www.treesforever.org.

The year 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of Black Hills Energy's Power of Trees program, which has resulted in over 600 grants to communities, funding projects that have involved more than 25,000 volunteers planting over 70,000 trees. Trees Forever administers the Power of Trees community tree-planting program and provides technical on-site assistance for local projects. Black Hills Energy provides grant funding for selected communities within its service territory that is matched with local funds, discounts, in-kind services, and volunteer labor.
“Black Hills Energy’s companywide Power of Trees program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and sustainability, and community stewardship,” said Denise Montgomery, External Affairs Manager for Black Hills Energy. “Our partnership with Trees Forever and local community volunteers is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate for great results in the communities we serve.”
Black Hills Energy will award $61,090 in grants to assist 26 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this year alone. In addition, seventh grade classes in Black Hills Energy’s service territory were invited to participate in a tree-themed poster contest. Three winners will be announced later this month, and each will be receiving $2,000 for a special project at their school or in their community. Additional information on the Power of Trees program, and how to apply, is also available at www.treesforever.org and www.blackhillsenergy.com.