MASON CITY – Trees Forever, the Mason City Street Department, and the Mason City Alternative High School will be planting trees on Friday May 16th at 9:00 a.m. at the Norris Youth Complex located at 201 N. Tennessee Ave. Approximately 75 trees will be planted at three different locations in Mason City; the ball fields at the youth complex, several blocks of 19th St., and at Georgia Hansford Park. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join in the planting event!
The tree planting is 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. The tree planting is also one of 25 special events held this year to mark the 25th anniversary of Trees Forever, which was founded in 1989.
Volunteers should bring their own shovels to help plant and wear appropriate clothing (sturdy footwear and pants, sun and wind protection.) For more information about the May 16th event, contact Jeff Jensen at 515-320-6756 or Mason City Volunteer Coordinator Mallory Mitchell at 641-421-3372.
This is a great project. Tress are a good investment and it teaches the young people that a little work is a good thing. I hope it goes better than the Monroe planting. Last year I had to stop some little jerks that were trying to rip out the newly planted trees there.
Great to get those students out to help. Nice to see them doing something and learning about nature. GREAT JOB STUDENTS