CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – January 28, 2013 – Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, and Trees Forever announced they are awarding $136,947 to 41 Iowa communities or organizations through their Branching Out community tree planting program this spring.
Branching Out is a nationally recognized program through which Alliant Energy, Trees Forever, and local community leaders work together to develop, fund, and implement public tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, improve quality of life, support economic development, increase environmental awareness, and encourage volunteer involvement in Iowa communities served by Alliant Energy.
“We believe that by investing in tree planting and education, our customers will learn more about the energy efficiency and sustainability benefits trees offer,” said Tom Aller, President-IPL. “This is one of the ways we are working with our communities and customers to help create a more sustainable future.”
The Branching Out program is offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of between $500 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects – at parks, community gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools, and more. Trees Forever administers the Branching Out program and provides technical and planning support to participating groups and communities.
Since the beginning of the Branching Out program in 1989, more than 1.1 million trees and seedlings have been planted throughout Iowa.
“Every Branching Out project focuses on long-term tree care, with a special emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation,” said Shannon Ramsay, founding president of Trees Forever. “We are pleased to continue our long partnership with Alliant Energy, in a combined effort to educate Iowans about the importance of trees and improving our environment, one community at a time.”
Branching Out project grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles -November 1 for spring plantings and June 1 for fall plantings.
For more information, contact Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269. Applications are available online at alliantenergy.com/branchingout or treesforever.org.
Communities and organizations receiving awards this spring:
Alburnett - $3,900
Anamosa - $3,250
Atlantic - $2,500
Belmond - $2,280
Blairstown - $850
Boone - $2,412
Burlington - $5,000
Clinton - $10,000
Colo - $600
Creston - $7,700
Dubuque - $1,600
Eldon - $2,500
Farley - $1,500
Garnavillo - $1,450
Garner - $2,000
Gladbrook - $1,000
Greene - $1,000
Greenfield - $1,250
Guthrie Center - $1,585
Hubbard - $1,500
Jefferson - $2,500
Laurens - $1,950
Lisbon - $2,991
Luxemburg - $3,150
Mason City - $9,220
Maxwell - $4,296
Mechanicsville - $500
Mount Vernon - $6,400
Muscatine - $1,420
Muscatine - $4,250
North Liberty - $10,000
Pekin - $10,000
Postville - $2,788
Shellsburg - $1,065
Tripoli - $1,740
Villisca - $4,000
Washington - $2,250
Waukon - $2,000
West Branch - $5,100
West Liberty - $5,000
West Union - $2,450
Media Contact: Justin Foss, (319) 786-4788