MARION, IOWA (January 28, 2021) — Small trees with big futures are available for planting projects across Iowa and in the Quad Cities area of Illinois through a partnership between environmental non-profit Trees Forever, GreenState Credit Union and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Trees Forever will hold two virtual question and answer sessions about tree-seedling projects on Thursday, February 4. Communities, municipal departments, and private volunteer or community groups may apply for grant funds to plant seedling trees in publicly-accessible areas. There are also options for planting on private property.
"Seedlings are an economical and effective way to help diversify community forests and increase canopy cover," said John Bright, Trees Forever Marketing and Communications Manager.
"Reforesting following recent natural disasters is also a top priority. Seedlings are ideal to replant on a large scale and spring is the perfect time to do that. These projects can be planned and executed with relative ease, and many trees can be planted in a single event," Bright said.
The two upcoming information sessions will cover program guidelines and application assistance. Trees Forever Field Coordinator Emily Swihart will lead the programs Thursday, February 4 at Noon and 5:30PM via Zoom. Participants may register at www.treesforever.org/webinars.
"Seedlings are a fun way to get involved," Swihart said. "We have had some clever and unique community partnerships with seedlings in years past — everything from residential or school-seedling giveaways, to volunteer tree-plantings and park-reforestation projects. Our seedling program encourages volunteers of all ages to participate. Children and teens love getting their hands dirty planting the small trees and helping beautify their own communities."
Trees Forever staff is available to help project leaders and volunteers plan and complete successful projects. For more information about the seedlings program, visit www.treesforever.org/greeninitiative.
Trees Forever is a non-profit charitable organization headquartered in Marion, Iowa. Its mission — to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship — is fulfilled through cutting-edge programs and innovative practices. Trained and experienced staff have assisted community leaders and landowners across Iowa, Illinois, and beyond with thousands of planting projects. Each year, on average, Trees Forever works with and engages more than 7,000 volunteers who give generously of their time and talents. To date, they've helped plant more than 3 million trees.
