Cedar Rapids: Where should we “Dig” in Your District in 2009?

Alliant Energy, Trees Forever seek suggestions for community tree plantings

Would you like to see more trees planted in your favorite neighborhood park? Do you know of a school playground, nursing home, public library, sports complex, cemetery, or trail that could benefit from a few well-placed trees? If so, let your ideas be known.

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever are once again offering We Dig Your District, a partnership program to plant trees in each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council Districts to demonstrate how trees improve energy efficiency and contribute to a healthier and more beautiful community. And, we need your help!

Get into the energy efficiency groove and submit suggestions for the 2009 We Dig Your District tree-planting locations.

Suggestions will be reviewed based on their potential to improve energy efficiency, enhance the environment and meet a community need. The review committee will include representatives from Alliant Energy and Trees Forever, with input from local city council members.

To submit a suggestion, tell us the following in 300 words or less.

* Your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (optional)
* The community location where you would like to see trees planted (The location must be within Alliant Energy’s electric service territory in Cedar Rapids.)
* Why your location should be selected; what makes it special and how trees would make a difference at this site.

Suggestion(s) must be submitted by February 25, 2009 to receive consideration. Submissions can be made online at www.alliantenergy.com/wedigyourdistrict or via mail to Alliant Energy, Community Relations, Attn: We Dig Your District, 200 First Street SE, PO Box 351, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0351.

Selections will include one site within each of the five Cedar Rapids City Council Districts. Planting sites will be announced in March 2009. The 2008 We Dig Your District planting sites included Arthur Elementary School, Cleveland Elementary School, Regis Middle School, Redmond Park and Wilderness Estates Park. Planting at Ushers Ferry was postponed due to the summer flooding.

For more information, contact Karen Brook, Trees Forever field coordinator at (319) 373-0650 ext. 14 or email kbrook@treesforever.org.