Help your neighborhood live big - Plant a tree!

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Forestry Today
Kids planting a tree at their school and backyards.

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 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.

Mark your calendars for Nature Health Benefits LIVE!

Every Friday in February, the Forest Service and Natural Inquirer Program will release an episode from Nature Health Benefits LIVE! Explore the benefits of nature on your physical health and mental health, and SO much more!

Tune in on the Natural Inquirer’s YouTube channel.

  • Episode 1: Nature and Your Physical Health (available Feb. 2).
  • Episode 2: Nature and Your Mental Health (available Feb. 9).
  • Episode 3: A Research Study: Can Greening Vacant Lots Affect Mental Health? (available Feb. 16).
  • Episode 4: Live Q&A. Experts answer your questions live! This video streams at 1:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 23.
National Health Benefits Live logo

Iowa Urban Tree Council Seeking Award Nominations

Individuals, groups of people and organizations do an outstanding job across Iowa planting and caring for trees within our communities.

Nominate worthy Iowans to be recognized for their exceptional work in urban forestry. Deadline is Feb. 21.

Winners will be recognized at the annual luncheon in partnership with the Iowa DNR and Trees Forever, Thursday, April 4 in Ankeny.