Nominations Needed for Neighborhood Tree Planting Projects

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 –Do you know of a school, neighborhood, park, trail, or some other location in Cedar Rapids that could benefit from some new trees? If so, let your ideas be known! Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, and Trees Forever want to know where you would like to see more trees planted in Cedar Rapids.

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever are accepting nominations for the 2011 We Dig Your District program- a partnership to plant trees in each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council Districts to demonstrate how trees improve energy efficiency and contribute to a healthier and more beautiful community. You can make a difference in your district today.

Neighborhood groups, schools, social organizations, churches, and individuals are encouraged to submit nominations for planting sites for the 2011 We Dig Your District program.

“This is a great opportunity for Cedar Rapids residents and local groups to enhance their neighborhoods and the community,” notes Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever Founding President. “With the threat of Emerald Ash Borer on the horizon, now is the time to start planting new replacement trees,” she added.

Nominations will be reviewed based on their potential to improve energy efficiency, enhance the environment, and meet a community need. The review committee will include representatives from Alliant Energy and Trees Forever, with input from local city council members.

To nominate your potential planting site, submit the following in 300 words or less.
1. Your name, address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address (optional)
2. The Cedar Rapids location where you would like to have some trees planted. (The location must be within Alliant Energy’s electric service territory in Cedar Rapids.)
3. Why your project or site should be selected; what makes it special and how trees would make a difference at this site.

Nominations must be submitted by February 18, 2011 to receive consideration. Nominations can be submitted online or by mail to Alliant Energy, Community Relations, Attn: We Dig Your District, 200 First Street SE, PO Box 351, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0351.

Selections will include one site within each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council Districts. Planting sites will be announced in March 2011. The 2010 We Dig Your District planting sites were Kennedy High School, First Avenue SE street trees, Erskine Elementary School, Ellis Harbor and Park, and the Mary Lundby Townhomes.

“Trees provide so many wonderful benefits to our neighborhoods and community, including direct energy saving benefits to individual homeowners and businesses, “ said Tom Aller, President – Interstate Power and Light Company. “We planted 126 trees in Cedar Rapids' five districts in 2010. We want to plant even more in 2011!”

For more information, contact Karen Brook, Trees Forever field coordinator at 373-0650 ext. 14.