Waukon receives grant award from Black Hills Energy and Trees Forever for planting project
Volunteers and community leaders in Waukon are partnering with Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy to plant trees that save energy, improve air quality, and reduce stormwater run-off. Black Hills Energy and Trees Forever's Power of Trees 25-year partnership awarded Waukon with $1,000 for a tree-planting project.
"We're looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy to grow our tree canopy in Waukon," says project volunteer Ken Olson. "With their help, we are adding trees to improve the environment while making Waukon healthier, more vibrant and more energy efficient."
Trees break up cold winter winds and reduce heating energy needs in the winter months. In summer months, trees shade surfaces such as homes, businesses, streets, sidewalks and parking lots, therefore, reducing the heat those surfaces absorb. Trees also cool the surrounding air; both of these things lead to a reduction in cooling energy and peak energy demand.
"Black Hills Energy's Iowa Power of Trees program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness, sustainability and community stewardship," said Black Hills Energy's Iowa Energy Efficiency Program Manager Amber Buckingham. "Our partnership with Trees Forever and local community volunteers is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate for great results in the communities we serve."
Trees Forever administers Black Hills Energy's Power of Trees community tree-planting program and provides onsite technical assistance for the projects. Black Hills Energy provides grants to selected communities within its service territory. Community volunteers plan and choose planting sites, select species, order trees, enlist local volunteers and raise local matching funds and in-kind contributions.
"Trees are so important for attracting business and shoppers, getting people outdoors and improving our overall health and well-being," says Trees Forever Founding President and CEO Shannon Ramsay. "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 are planting a better tomorrow."
Black Hills Energy will award $71,000 in grants this year; 26 projects were selected from this round of funding. A second round of funding is available for fall planting projects, with applications due June 1.
Anyone who would like to volunteer to help plant and care for the trees in Waukon, is asked to call Ken Olson at 563-568-4612 or Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269, extension 110. Additional information on the Power of Trees program, and how to apply, is also available at www.treesforever.org and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
