Tree program supports cities and community organizations

DES MOINES, Iowa – MidAmerican Energy is awarding more than $115,000 in grants to 55 Iowa communities for trees that can help them reduce energy costs.

MidAmerican’s “Trees Please!” grant program encourages selecting and strategically planting trees at local public facilities and common areas, including publicly owned properties, schools and community spaces.

When planted strategically, deciduous trees, which are trees with leaves that shed once a year, provide shade in the summer, while evergreens provide windbreaks in the winter.

“Planting the right kind of trees in the right places provides energy efficiency benefits and can help save on energy costs for the community,” Erin Rasmussen, MidAmerican director of energy efficiency, said. “In the summer, tree leaves block the sun and provide shade to buildings, which helps keep those buildings cooler. In the winter, properly placed evergreens and shrubs can help block cold winds and reduce heat usage.”

Since 1998, MidAmerican has awarded more than $4.5 million in funding for trees.

2023 “Trees Please!” grants

City of Algona: $1,000

City of Allison: $1,000

City of Altoona: $1,000

City of Audubon Park & Recreation: $4,000

Bettendorf Trees Are Us Committee: $2,000

City of Blue Grass: $1,000

City of Bondurant: $2,000

City of Cedar Rapids: $5,000

City of Chatsworth: $1,000

City of Clarinda: $1,000

City of Clarksville: $2,000

Colfax Park & Recreation Auxiliary Board: $2,873

City of Coralville-Parks Division: $3,000

City of Correctionville: $1,000

City of Council Bluffs Parks and Rec. Dept. Horticultural & Grounds Div.: $5,000

City of Davenport: $5,000

City of Denver: $4,000

City of Des Moines Forestry Division: $5,000

City of Dexter: $2,000

City of Early: $1,000

City of Essex: $1,000

City of Fort Dodge: $1,000

City of Gilbertville: $1,000

City of Glenwood: $1,500

City of Granville: $2,000

City of Grimes: $1,000

City of Hiawatha: $4,000

City of Hills: $1,000

Humboldt County Conservation: $1,000

City of Ida Grove: $2,000

Iowa City Forestry Division: $5,000

City of Johnston: $3,000

City of Kingsley: $1,000

City of Le Mars: $1,000

City of Lewis: $1,000

City of Lohrville: $1,000

Marion Tree Board: $3,000

City of Missouri Valley: $1,750

City of Monroe: $1,000

City of Moville: $2,000

City of North Liberty: $1,000

Oskaloosa Trees Forever: $1,000

Pleasantville Betterment Organization: $1,000

Polk City Arbor League: $3,000

City of Riverdale: $1,000

Rock Valley Trees Program: $4,000

City of Ruthven: $1,000

City of Shelby: $1,000

Sheldon Recreational Trail: $1,000

City of Sioux City: $5,000

City of Urbandale: $2,700

City of Varina: $1,000

Waterloo Leisure Services: $5,000

City of Waukee: $980

City of Waverly: $2,000

How to apply for “Trees Please!” grants

In the fall, cities and community organizations can submit grant applications to MidAmerican to be considered for grants of $1,000 or more. The company selects grant recipients based on a project’s merits, benefits to the community and the ability to obtain matching funds.

For more information, go to MidAmerican’s “Trees Please!” page, email [email protected] or call 800-434-4017.

About MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 813,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 789,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.