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Mason City to get $10,000 in new trees from Alliant

Snapped tree
Snapped tree

MASON CITY – Mason City is among three North Iowa area towns that will get new trees from Alliant Energy.

Volunteers in communities across Iowa will soon plant a diverse mix of hundreds of trees through a program offered by Alliant Energy and Trees Forever.

The program, Branching Out, is giving grants to 23 tree-planting projects in Iowa this fall. In total, Alliant Energy gave $105,585 to communities to add trees in city parks, campgrounds, playgrounds, along nature trails and at schools.

Trees are a natural source of energy efficiency. They block the sun and provide shade on hot days, and offer a windbreak on cold days.

“Iowans have made a big impact in adding trees to the state, and we’re seeing the big benefits of that work,” said Doug Kopp, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility. “Since we started Branching Out in 1989, the trees volunteers planted have captured more than 115 million pounds of carbon, and saved more than 15 million kilowatt-hours of energy.”

Trees provide many benefits that increase as they grow. To help trees last a long time, it is important to plant and care for trees properly. With the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Japanese beetles, Gypsy moth, Bur Oak Blight and others, the need for a diverse population of trees is important across Iowa. This year, Branching Out is funding planting projects that include an increased variety of trees to communities.

“We have been working with communities to diversify the species of trees they plant and recent applications to the Branching Out program demonstrate the communities’ commitment to this effort,” said Meredith Borchardt, Trees Forever program manager. “A diverse urban forest is the best way to ensure resiliency when faced with threats such as the Emerald Ash Borer, or whatever the next major disease or pest threat might be.”

Mason City will get $9,995 for trees to be planted to infill areas which have no or very few trees.

Decorah will get $3,500 for a project that was initiated by Decorah Boy Scouts, who will help plant. Rolfe will get $2,375 for replacements at the Rolfe Golf Course due to a 2004 tornado; planting will take place at the former school and Three Rivers Trailhead Park.

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