Marion awarded grant through MidAmerican Energy’s ‘Trees Please!’ Program

The city of Marion recently was awarded a grant through MidAmerican Energy’s Trees Please! energy efficiency program.

Greg Wildebour of MidAmerican Energy presented a $2,000 check to Tree Board members Joe Spinks and Marilyn Tormey during their monthly board meeting on April 7.

Marion will use the funds to support the replanting efforts of public trees that were lost in the August 2020 derecho. The trees will be planted in the spring and fall for optimal planting and survival.

Marion is one of 54 Iowa cities and organizations receiving a Trees Please! grant. The program helps fund tree planting projects in common areas such as publicly owned properties, schools and community spaces.

MidAmerican selected grant recipients based on each project’s merits, its community benefits and the applicant’s ability to obtain matching funds.

Trees provide several benefits. They can help improve energy efficiency when part of an energy-efficient landscape design. Trees in winter can serve as natural windbreaks and in the summer they can provide shade to homes and businesses. Planting trees also improves air quality, helps protect and nourish soil and beautifies communities.

Learn more about the program at www.midamericanenergy.com/iowa-treesplease.