Alliant Energy : October 26, 2009

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 26, 2009 – Cedar Rapids citizens are invited to get into the energy-efficiency groove by planting trees during the remaining two We Dig Your District fall events. The next two events will be held at Ushers Ferry on Wednesday, October 28 and in the Oak Hill Jackson neighborhood on Monday, November 2.

We Dig Your District is a partnership initiative between Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and local groups. Trees are planted in each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council districts to demonstrate how trees improve energy efficiency and contribute to a healthier community.

“Trees make our community beautiful and welcoming. They also help save energy by providing shade from the hot summer sun and a windbreak against harsh winter winds,” said Tom Aller, president of Interstate Power and Light, an Alliant Energy company. “The We Dig Your District initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to energy conservation and making Cedar Rapids a ‘cooler’ place to live.”

The We Dig Your District planting projects are in cooperation with the Cedar Rapids Parks Department. At the event, a variety of shade and ornamental trees will be planted in Ushers Ferry. The event is open to the public and begins with a brief ceremony and tree planting demonstration at 10:00 a.m. Light refreshments and informational materials will be available. Ushers Ferry is in Cedar Rapids District #1. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m.

“Trees make our cities livable and are essential to our quality of life. Shade is critical along streets, at schools, in parks, and at private residences. The cooler our communities, the less energy we use and the less impact we have on climate change,” says Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever president and CEO. “We dig your ideas, Cedar Rapids, and we appreciate your participation and commitment to the environment.”

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever have been in partnership for more than 17 years, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing the environment through tree planting. Since 1989, more than 5,000 trees have been planted through various planting projects throughout Cedar Rapids.

“The We Dig Your District initiative maintains this commitment,” adds Ramsay.” These events are designed to celebrate the city districts and bring people together for community betterment.”

This is the fourth year for the We Dig Your District program. More than 200 trees have been planted since the program started in May 2006. The final fall tree-planting event will take place in the Oak Hill Jackson neighborhood on Monday, November 2 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interested volunteers should meet at Metro High School. The rain date is Wednesday, November 4 at 2:00 p.m.

Media Contacts:
(Alliant Energy) Nancy Craig, (319) 786-4788
(Trees Forever) Karen Brook, (319) 373-0650