Trees Forever's Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond program helps to improve water quality, soil retention and habitat improvement by working with Iowa landowners to implement conservation practices and promote land stewardship.

Trees Forever staff assists Working Watersheds program participants with project planning, planting and maintenance plans. We can provide a 50 percent cost share (up to a maximum of $2,000) to implement a water quality project or demonstration site.  Riparian buffer plantings are the main focus of the program, but other innovative projects are also considered.  

We are placing a special emphasis on working with no-till farmers interested in establishing STRIPS (Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairies).  This is a promising practice shown to reduce soil erosion by up to 95 percent, compared to fields without the STRIPS.  You can learn more about STRIPS at www.prairiestrips.org.

Applications are due December 31.

We’re here to help you with your application or answer any questions.  Contact Jeff Jensen at 515-320-6756.