Waukon Trees Forever receives grant funding from Black Hills Energy's "Power of Trees" program for annual tree planting

Volunteers and community leaders in Waukon planted trees this past Saturday, May 10 (see photo at left) 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. The Waukon Trees Forever Chapter was awarded a $1,900 grant from the Power of Trees program to plant trees along city streets and within Waukon City Park.
“We’ve been looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy to plant more trees this year in Waukon,” says Dr. Ken Olson of the Waukon Trees Forever Chapter. “With their help, we are saving energy with trees that block and redirect cold winter winds and provide cooling shade to buildings in the summer. Trees consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen for cleaner air, reduce storm water run-off, and beautify the community.”
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 tree-planting project, and 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 are planting a better tomorrow.”
Trees Forever administers Black Hills Energy’s Power of Trees community tree-planting program and provides on-site technical assistance for the projects. Black Hills Energy provides grants to selected communities within its service territory. That funding is matched with local dollars, discounts, in-kind services, and volunteer labor. Community volunteers plan and choose planting sites, select species, order trees, enlist additional volunteers and raise local matching funds and in-kind contributions.
“Black Hills Energy’s company-wide Power of Trees program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness, sustainability and community stewardship,” said Jim Dillon, Energy Efficiency Program 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 more than $64,000 in grants this year to assist 27 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects. Additional information on the Power of Trees program, and how to apply, is also available at www.treesforever.org and www.blackhillsenergy.com.