On Monday, Apr. 19, 2021, MidAmerican Energy Company presented a $2,000 check to the City of Johnston as part of the company’s “Trees Please!” energy efficiency program.
This grant will allow the City to plant up to 20 trees in city parks, green spaces and along trail corridors. Many of these new trees will replace trees lost in the storms during summer 2020. The City will focus on diversity and will plant at least five to eight different varieties with the funds provided.
The City of Johnston is one of 54 Iowa cities and community organizations receiving ”Trees Please!” grants. The program helps fund tree planting projects in common areas such as publicly owned properties, schools and community spaces.
MidAmerican selected grant recipients based on each project’s merits, community benefits, and the applicant’s ability to obtain matching funds.
Trees provide several benefits. They can help improve energy efficiency when part of an energy-efficient landscape design. Trees in winter can serve as natural windbreaks and in the summer, they can provide shade to homes and businesses. Planting trees also improves air quality, helps protect and nourish the soil and beautifies communities.
For more information about the “Trees Please!” program, go to MidAmerican Energy’s “Trees, Please!” web page at MidAmericanEnergy.com/iowa-treesplease or call 800-434-4017.