We Dig Your District event planned at Regis Middle School

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever are making Cedar Rapids a cooler place to live

Cedar Rapids citizens are invited to get into the energy-efficiency groove by planting trees during a special We Dig Your District event at Regis Middle School, 735 Prairie Drive NE, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17.

We Dig Your District is a partnership between Alliant Energy, Trees Forever, and local organizations. Trees are planted in each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council districts to demonstrate how trees improve energy efficiency and contribute to a healthier community. Regis Middle School is in Cedar Rapids District #1.

“Trees make our community beautiful and welcoming. They also help save energy by providing shade from the hot summer sun and a windbreak against harsh winter winds,” said Tom Aller-President of Interstate Power and Light, an Alliant Energy company. “The We Dig Your District initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to energy conservation and making Cedar Rapids a “cooler” place to live.”

Twenty shade and ornamental trees will be planted at Regis to provide shade and beauty along walkways and near athletic fields. A brief ceremony and tree planting demonstration will precede the planting. Light refreshments and informational materials will also be available. The event is open to the public. People interested in volunteering should contact Trees Forever field coordinator Karen Brook at (319) 373-0650 ext. 14 or kbrook@treesforever.org.

“Trees make our cities livable and are essential to our quality of life. Shade is critical along streets, at schools, in parks, and at private residences. The cooler our communities, the less energy we use and the less impact we have on climate change,” says Shannon Ramsay-Trees Forever President and CEO. “We dig your ideas, Cedar Rapids, and we appreciate your participation and commitment to the environment.”

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever have been in partnership for more than 17 years, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing the environment through tree planting. Since 1989, more than 3,500 trees have been planted through various planting projects throughout Cedar Rapids.

“The We Dig Your District initiative maintains this commitment,” adds Ramsay.” These events are designed to celebrate the city districts and bring people together for community betterment.”

This is the third year for the We Dig Your District program. Approximately 216 trees have been planted since the program started in May 2006. Additional tree-planting events in the We Dig Your District planting series this fall are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 3, at Cleveland Elementary School in Cedar Rapids City Council District #5 and at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at Arthur Elementary School in District #2.