Nearly 1,100 new trees to be planted through Alliant Energy’s community tree program

Alliant Energy is contributing to the planting of nearly 1,100 trees across 33 Iowa communities to promote greener municipalities.

As part of the company’s One Million Trees initiative, Alliant is working in partnership with local nonprofit Trees Forever to help 33 communities — including Marion, Hiawatha and Ely — with grants to plant trees, according to a news release. A total of $120,000 in tree grants are being awarded.

Together, the organizations help communities develop, select and plant a mix of diverse trees. Funds for this year are intended to support tree planting to boost energy efficiency, as well as replace trees downed in the 2020 derecho and/or destroyed by the emerald ash borer.

“Alliant Energy’s commitment to supporting communities we serve includes improving the natural environment for future generations,” Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company, said in a statement.

Kouba said Alliant last year launched its One Million Trees effort to donate and help plant over 1 million trees — one for each of the company’s utility customers — by the end of 2030.

These 33 communities “will benefit from our goal and increase their own energy efficiency and tree restoration goals,” he said.

In Linn County:

Each community was eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000 to fund the planting of trees that will save energy and improve the environment.

The initiative offers more than funding. Trees Forever also provides communities with tree-planning support. A tree expert assists communities with choosing the best species for their area and creating a care and maintenance plan to ensure the newly planted trees thrive.

“Our partnership with Alliant Energy has persevered for years due to the strong alignment of our values,” Kiley Miller, Trees Forever president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “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.”

Since Alliant Energy’s partnership with Trees Forever began in 1990, they have awarded over $7.7 million dollars in grants and planted over 1.1 million trees.

Several communities will plant their trees this spring, and more plantings are planned for the fall. More information about the program is available at alliantenergy.com/onemilliontrees.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com