(Des Moines, Iowa) – Trees for Kids, a program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering a program that targets public lands for the planting of trees to provide shade and help clean-up the atmosphere. Trees for Kids Coordinator Gabi Edwards says the program has been around for at least a couple of decades in one form or another.

Edwards says there are other State programs targeted toward private landowners. The Trees for Kids Program is targeted to public properties.

The purpose is to get kids to think about trees, and that can start with school groups.

Grant awards of up to $2,500 per project are available.

Beyond the requirement to plant on public property, there is requirement for some form of youth engagement. Prior to COVID, Trees for Kids staff and groups of young people would gather to plant trees. But with pandemic still making news, the organization is trying to be more flexible with the educational aspect of the program.

That includes viewing videos on how to plant trees, science teachers live-streaming the planting of trees, and other-types of curriculum to get the message across. The process begins with finding an organization to help pay for the trees, such as a county conservation group, local FFA chapter, 4-H group, Scouts, etc.

Applications are for the reimbursement of costs associated with the purchase of trees. Your application must include a description of the project you have in mind, including the area where they will be planted, why you want to plant them there, and a long-term (3-to 5-year) maintenance plan. The applications are available on the Iowa DNR’s website at iowadnr.gov., and searching under the “Forestry” category for “Educational Opportunities.” The direct link can be found here.