Jefferson is among the 33 Iowa communities that will soon be greener thanks to grants from Alliant Energy’s Community Tree program, part of the company’s One Million Trees initiative. Alliant Energy partners with Trees Forever to help communities develop, select and plant a diverse mix of trees. This year’s funds will help communities plant trees to increase energy efficiency and replace those destroyed by the 2020 derecho or the emerald ash borer.
“Alliant Energy’s commitment to supporting communities we serve includes improving the natural environment for future generations,” said Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company. “Last year, we announced our One Million Trees initiative to donate and help plant more than one million trees – representing one tree for each of our utility customers – by the end of 2030. The communities announced April 12 will benefit from our goal and increase their own energy efficiency and tree restoration goals.”
Each community was eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000 to fund new trees that will save energy and improve the environment. In total, $120,000 in tree grants are being awarded. Trees in Jefferson will be planted in city-owned rights-of-way by the Jefferson tree committee.
In addition to the funds, communities also receive tree-planning support from Trees Forever. A tree expert helps communities select the best species for their area and create a care and maintenance plan to make sure the new trees have long and healthy lives.
“Our partnership with Alliant Energy has persevered for years due to the strong alignment of our values,” said Kiley Miller, president and CEO, Trees Forever. “We are proud to work together to help communities and local volunteers plant trees through Alliant Energy’s Community Tree program, part of their One Million Trees initiative. These trees will clean our air, water and soil, while improving our health and providing beauty in all seasons.”
Alliant Energy’s partnership with Trees Forever dates to 1990. Together, they have awarded over $7.7 million dollars in grants and planted more than 1.1 million trees.
