News : Youth-Focused Tree Planting Initiative Announced

A Youth-Focused Tree Planting Initiative Announced by Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Vinton Tree Nursery

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has partnered with Frazier Nursery on a statewide, youth-focused tree planting initiative.

With additional collaboration from Iowa FFA, Iowa 4-H and the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), IDALS is encouraging youth groups across Iowa to join the initiative by planting trees on Arbor Day, April 24, 2026.

This initiative aims to plant 250 trees across Iowa, connecting students with the state’s agricultural heritage and providing them with an opportunity to learn about natural resource conservation and the importance of land stewardship.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this initiative and honored to be a part of it. This statewide event offers students across Iowa an opportunity to give back to their community in a meaningful way and learn about trees, planting, and be part of something that will be around for generations,” said Alex Frazier of Frazier Nursery.

As part of the Arbor Day events, a dedication ceremony will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Friday, April 24. Frazier Nursery will be joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. Additionally, representative members from Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA will plant and dedicate a Bur Oak tree as the official Iowa America250 tree.

Interested youth groups can visit the initiative’s website, www.Iowa250Trees.com for more information, and to order trees. Deadline to order is April 10. Regional delivery is available at no additional cost. Every tree ordered from the site will come with a commemorative plaque to place near the planted tree.

Frazier Nursery, based in Vinton, IA is a full-service tree nursery specializing in growing windbreak trees for farmers, producers and landowners across the state.