Many new trees line the streets of Oelwein thanks to the Trees Forever program.
Trees Forever is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Marion, Iowa. It is funded by grants and with assistance from Alliant Energy Corp. Their mission is to plant and care for trees and the environment. Trees Forever aids Iowa towns in choosing, planting, and replacing trees appropriate to their particular area, considering the climate and the amount of maintenance required. Trees Forever has involved over 150,000 volunteers in projects that improve air and water quality, increase wildlife habitat, provide substantial energy savings and beautify our landscape.
Trees Forever will sponsor a Residential Tree Planting program to help increase energy efficiency of homes. The program is sponsored through grants from Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and the City of Oelwein. Persons interested will pay $25 which entitles a homeowner to a tree up to $75 in value, fertilizer pills, tree wrap, stake, mulch and a one-year guarantee. Participating retailers include Manske's Corner Market, Oelwein Landscaping and Cannon's Greenhouse. Only approved varieties for planting in the City right-of-way will qualify for rebates. By accepting the Trees Forever $50 contribution, the homeowner promises to give the trees weekly waterings and protect them from mowers, weed trimmers, etc.
Call Oelwein City Hall, 283-5440, for information and to check on no-fee permits required. Before planting trees, call Iowa One Call at 1-800-292-8989 for underground utility locations, a service provided free of charge.
New Homes - The Trees Forever program will also provide two free trees (of your choice) to be planted at the site of any new home built within Oelwein city limits. Call 319-283-1105 for more information.
A 2007 initiative for improving water quality is the 2007 Trees Forever Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond (TM) program. The Fayette County Take A Kid Outdoors (TAKO) group is partnering with Trees Forever in getting children to experience the outdoors through field days and tours to participating landlord sites involving management of streams and watersheds in the area.
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