Eldon Does Something Cool - Plants Trees With Help From Trees Forever and Alliant Energy

Eldon— Volunteers and community leaders in Eldon are planting trees to provide shade and save energy through the Trees Forever and Alliant Energy Branching Out community tree-planting program.

“We’re looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Alliant Energy this year to plant trees,” says Jessica Strom. “Together, we are growing a better environment while making our community more beautiful and attractive.”

“Trees Forever and Alliant Energy are committed to improving the environment and our quality of life. Especially this year when many communities were hit hard by the late winter storms that damaged or destroyed so many trees,” says Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever President and CEO. “We thank our local volunteers in Eldon for their dedication and hard work and look forward to helping with positive solutions this year--- tree by tree, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

Alliant Energy will award $64,962.00 in grants to assist 15 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this fall. Eldon will receive $5,000 for its ambitious tree-planting project.

Planting trees helps reduce peak electric demand, keeps communities healthy and vital, and provides long-term environmental benefits.

“Energy efficiency is important to us and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers become more aware of the benefits that trees have to offer,” said Tom Aller, president of Alliant Energy-Interstate Power and Light. “We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them.”

If you would like to volunteer to help plant and care for trees in Eldon, please call Jessica Strom at (641) 652-3352 or Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269.

Branching Out grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles (spring and fall). The next application deadline is November 1, 2007. Spring 2008 grant recipients will be announced in December. For more information, contact Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269. Applications are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/branchingout or www.treesforever.org.

Branching Outis a nationally-recognized program where Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and Iowa communities work together to plan and create outstanding tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and community stewardship in Iowa.

Branching Outis offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of between $500 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects – like parks, gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools and more. Trees Forever administers the program, providing technical and planning support.