Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program. Part of the One Million Trees Initiative
Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, Part of the One Million Trees Initiative is a nationally recognized and award-winning tree planting program in which Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and your community work together to plan, fund and implement community tree planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and community stewardship.
The Community Tree Planting Program is offered exclusively to Iowa and Wisconsin communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. Planting locations must be within the Alliant Energy service area and on public property. Public property includes the Right of Way (ROW), fire stations, city hall, city facilities, and public parks and schools. Requirements for each state are slightly different, see below for details:
Current Participants
Finished planting? We can’t wait to hear about it! Click the button below to tell us more.
Iowa – Tree plantings in Iowa MUST be near buildings that have electricity and are heated or cooled. Right of Way (ROW) tree plantings must be in places where buildings are being shaded by the trees. Locations NOT ELIGIBLE include; along trails, in open park settings away from buildings, around ball fields with no buildings, cemeteries, and in ROW with no buildings.
Wisconsin – Tree plantings in Wisconsin can take place in almost any public setting including Right of Way (ROW), open park spaces, along trails, near playgrounds and ball fields, and more.
Communities can apply for grants up to $5,000 to pay for the cost of trees only. Trees must be landscape-sized in 5 to 10-gallon pots and are purchased locally by the community with the grant funds from Alliant Energy. In Iowa, a small number of trees are covered by customer’s Energy Efficiency contributions. Trees Forever administers and facilitates the program, providing organizational, educational, planning and planting support through our network of experienced field staff.
The application process is competitive, and preference is given to applicants with thorough and complete documentation that meets all program guidelines. Project grants are awarded once per year, but plantings can occur anytime in the Spring or Fall.
Get ready to apply with these easy steps!
Step 1: Review the FAQ
Step 2: Gather Materials
If your community qualifies, gather the items A, B, C and D listed below.
A. Review the Tree Species Guide and choose trees best suited to your site. If you need help, reach out to the Trees Forever Field Coordinator in your area. Not sure who that is? Give us a call at 319-373-0650 x 110.
B. Get quotes from local nurseries and put together a budget sheet using the form below. Also include match items.
C. Download the City Tree Planting Permission Slip and have it signed.
D. Gather other relevant information. You’ll need a site map showing what trees are going where (Google maps is fine), a committee of at least 5 people, and details about your proposed project including a description, maintenance plan, and information about your community.