HIAWATHA, Iowa – Nov. 1, 2012 – Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, is working with volunteers to bring more than 100 trees to a developing industrial park in Hiawatha. The project at Tower Commerce Center, 1550 Hawkeye Drive, represents one of the largest tree plantings through Alliant Energy’s Industrial Park Tree Grant program.
The Industrial Park Tree Grant program offers grants to help bring trees to industrial parks, which commonly do not have trees. In return, the trees offer shade in the summer and wind breaks in the winter to help increase energy efficiency for buildings in the area.
Volunteers and community members will help plant many of the trees on Saturday, November 3, weather permitting, at the Tower Commerce Center. Volunteers, including students at nearby Dancer’s Edge, will start planting the trees around 9 a.m. The goal is to plant all 104 of the trees on Saturday.
“We offer a lot of programs to help increase the number of trees in our communities. This program in particular makes a big impact because not only does it provide energy–efficiency opportunities, but it also increases environmental awareness and supports economic growth,” said Tom Aller, President – IPL.
The Industrial Park Tree Grant Program is available for new or existing industrial parks in Iowa communities served by Alliant Energy. This program offers tree-planting grants specifically for industrial parks to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and support economic growth.
Industrial Park Tree Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during a spring and fall grant-making cycle. For more information, contact 866-ALLIANT (866-255-4268). Visit alliantenergy.com/industrialparktrees to get an application, or email trees@alliantenergy.com for more information.
Media Contact: Justin Foss, (319) 786-4788