Linn SWCD hosting tree fundraiser

The Linn Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting a tree fundraiser this spring, a program that was brought back after the 2020 derecho.

The organization is offering trees, shrubs and saplings on their website and the trees will arrive around Earth Day.

Linn SWCD Commissioner Laura Krouse said that the money from the fundraiser will be used for the organization's education initiatives that taxpayer dollars do not cover. The Linn SWCD is a legal subdivision of the state of Iowa.

“Replanting trees and education projects in Linn County are more important than ever with tree loss from the derecho,” Krouse said.

Education efforts include field day sponsorship, future workshops and scholarship opportunities for those pursuing careers in conservation or agriculture.

Krouse added that all of the trees offered through the fundraiser are native to Iowa.

“Replanting is an opportunity to plant more native trees that will help the health of our woodlands, forests and native ecosystems,” she said. “We chose trees for our fundraiser that will specifically improve habitat for wildlife and birds.”

The fundraiser has varying options for purchase, including bundles of saplings or landscape-sized trees that vary in size and species as well.

“We’re offering some small trees and shrubs that would be good for windbreak, but being small, they will need some care for a while,” Krouse said. “We are also offering some that would be better for a landscape situation in the front yard.”

Last year’s fundraiser was a success, according to commissioner Robert Broulik, who said the organization sold more than 1,000 trees and shrubs to Linn County landowners.

“Plus it helped us fund our partnerships with The Indian Creek Watershed and Pheasants Forever, hire an experienced technical staff member to help get more conservation on the land and offer an excellent cover crop field day to farmers who want to see the practice at work,” Broulik said.

Those looking for more information about the Linn SWCD can go to their Facebook page.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com