Waukon Trees Forever honored at Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon ...

Waukon Trees Forever was recently honored as an Outstanding Community Organization by the Iowa Urban Tree Council. The award presentation was made Thursday, April 6 at the 27th Annual Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon in Des Moines. Pictured above at that award presentation are, left to right, Paul Tauke, State Forester; Dr. Ken and Sharon Olson and Mary and Joe Cunningham, representing Waukon Trees Forever; and Heath Ellis, President of the Iowa Urban Tree Council.

Waukon Trees Forever will hold its annual spring planting Saturday, April 29. Volunteers are asked to gather at the large parking lot at the Wellness Center at 9 a.m. Plans call for planting about 80 trees at several sites around the city. A shovel  and work gloves are about the only tools needed. Work will consist of planting trees and mulching them. Everyone is invited to help with the project.

According to award nomination consideration, Waukon's Trees Forever group has planted more than 2,000 trees throughout the community in the last 20 years. These plantings have improved areas along streets, at schools, parks, the Waukon Wellness Center and the city’s entryways. The group has not only planted trees, but taken an active role in tree maintenance and invasive plant removal. Waukon Trees Forever makes every effort to involve area youth at its planting projects. "Waukon Trees Forever is an outstanding example of Iowa’s community forestry organizations," said State Forester Paul Tauke. "Their efforts will enhance our forest resources and benefit the Waukon community for future generations." Submitted photo.