MASON CITY – Volunteers were able to plant trees in Mason City’s downtown Friday morning thanks to a grant from Alliant Energy.
Trees Forever, the Mason City Street Department, and the Mason City Alternative High School planted trees on the morning of Friday, May 6 around downtown Mason City. The volunteers started at Fareway and finishing near Norris Park on 2nd Street SW. Approximately 70 trees were planted around the downtown of Mason City.
The tree planting was made possible by a community grant from Alliant Energy and their nationally recognized program Branching Out. Trees help save energy by both keeping communities cooler in the summer through the shading of buildings and built surfaces and warmer in the winter by breaking up cold winter winds.
“Saving energy is important to everyone, and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers become more aware of the benefits that trees have to offer,” said Tom Aller, president of Alliant Energy’s Interstate Power and Light. “We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them become more energy efficient.”
“Trees Forever and Alliant Energy have partnered to do several tree plantings in Mason City and are pleased to support this project, as we know it will provide years and years of beauty and benefits to the community,” said 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 Mason City. Together, we are planting a better tomorrow.”
The Branching Out partnership between Trees Forever and Alliant Energy has resulted in the planting of more than 1.1 million trees in Iowa in the past two decades, for energy conservation and community improvement.
(Photos from the city of Mason City)
