Et cetera : Help your neighborhood live big, plant a tree

You can make a difference in your community by planting a tree in your yard, local park or school. Trees improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. They beautify our streets and shade our children.

Here are some great opportunities to get affordable trees to plant this spring:

• The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers spring delivery in April and May for hardwood, conifer and shrub seedlings. Visit our online store to view seedling varieties and to place your spring order.
• Trees For Schools grant applications are available online. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts of up to $5,000 per project to purchase trees, mulch and supplemental watering when school is not in session (June - September). Eligibility is determined by 25% or higher free and reduced lunches and/or schools in communities eligible through the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool. The deadline to submit a spring application is March 22.
• State and local governments, schools, and nonprofit groups in the 27 Iowa counties impacted by the August 2020 Derecho can apply for reimbursable grants. Community Forestry Grant applications are due March 1.