Washington, Riverside get tree-planting grants

WASHINGTON — Trees Forever and Alliant Energy announced Monday morning over $165,000 in grant funding across the state of Iowa, meant to further the energy company’s “One Million Trees Initiative.”

The program aims to bring biodiverse replacements for plants lost to emerald ash borers, and to increase energy efficiency in buildings that benefit from the shade. The trees can be planted in parks, at schools and libraries, and around public right of way areas.

“This is a remarkable partnership that fulfills so many of the core tenets of both Trees Forever and Alliant Energy,” said Kiley Miller, president and CEO of Trees Forever. “These projects are community-led and accomplished with local volunteers. With some expert guidance, individuals are making a positive difference in their hometowns with a greener, more energy efficient future.”

$3,000 of that is headed to the Washington Tree Committee. Chair Marde McConnell said it would help fund a $4,500 effort to plant 35 new trees in the Washington Wellness Park.

It’s the third phase of an effort to spruce up the public space, where the committee has already planted dozens of trees with help from previous Trees Forever grants.

“The Wellness Park is just a giant space, waiting to be more developed,” she said. “The parks, and the Wellness Park, definitely, has a giant need for trees.”

McConnell said those would go into the ground on May 13, the same day as the organization’s annual tree giveaway.

The city of Riverside was also named as a recipient, with $3,305 in grant funds incoming, earmarked for planting between the sidewalk and curb on Third Street and Fourth Street.

City Clerk Becky LaRoche said the cash would help the city obtain roughly 15-22 trees, propelling its efforts to replace 44 trees removed for construction along the two roads in recent years.

“Obviously, homeowners are very upset that their trees were gone, through the project,” she said. “We’re trying to bridge that … and put some trees back.”

Riverside is reaching out to area volunteer groups to plant the trees once they’re purchased, though it does not have a planting date lined up yet. LaRoche said the city would water them for a year after planting, before the responsibility goes to homeowners.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com