MidAmerican Energy awards over $100,000 to Iowa communities for trees

“Trees Please!” awards go to 54 Iowa communities, including derecho-hit Cedar Rapids

DES MOINES, Iowa – (March 17, 2021) – MidAmerican Energy is awarding more than $100,000 to dozens of Iowa communities in the company’s annual effort to promote community-wide tree planting.

Fifty-four communities and organizations will receive a total of $108,000 in grants through MidAmerican's "Trees Please!" program. The program promotes energy efficiency in publicly owned buildings, schools and community spaces by providing windbreaks and shade, while also beautifying those areas.

This year’s awards include a $15,000 grant to the city of Cedar Rapids, which is triple the amount MidAmerican awarded last year. The city estimates that the August derecho destroyed more than two-thirds of its tree canopy. “This is a devastating loss for the community,” the city wrote in its grant application.

“The derecho destroyed a significant number of trees, which reminds us of how much we value them,” Tina Yoder, MidAmerican director of energy efficiency said. “It’s important we invest in replacing them to support our environmental sustainability,” she added. “Beyond the character that trees add to communities, they can also help our customers save energy when they’re the right kind of tree planted in the right place.”

Since 1998, MidAmerican has awarded more than $4.3 million in funding for trees.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully placed trees can save up to 25% of a typical home’s energy use. Strategically placed trees can provide cooling shade in the summer and block cold winds in the winter.

2021 Community grants

Bettendorf Trees Are Us: $1,000
Bradgate Betterment: $1,000
City of Algona: $1,000
City of Allison Trees Forever: $1,000
City of Altoona Parks Department: $1,000
City of Audubon: $1,000
City of Ayrshire: $1,000
City of Blue Grass: $1,000
City of Cedar Rapids: $15,000
City of Clarinda: $1,000
City of Clarksville: $1,000
City of Colfax: $2,000
City of Coralville: $3,200
City of Council Bluffs: $5,000
City of Dallas Center: $1,000
City of Davenport: $5,000
City of Denver: $1,000
City of Des Moines: $5,000
City of Emmetsburg: $1,000
City of Essex: $1,000
City of Evansdale: $1,000
City of Fairfax: $3,200
City of Fort Dodge: $1,200
City of Geneva: $1,000
City of Glenwood: $1,500
City of Hiawatha: $1,000
City of Hills: $2,000
City of Hinton: $2,000
City of Holstein: $1,000
City of Ida Grove: $1,000
City of Independence: $1,000
City of Iowa City - Forestry Div.: $3,000
City of Johnston: $2,000
City of Marion Tree Board: $2,000
City of Melcher-Dallas: $1,200
City of Moville: $1,000
City of New Sharon: $1,000
City of North Liberty Parks: $1,000
City of Pleasant Hill: $1,000
City of Pleasantville: $1,000
City of Polk City: $2,000
City of Pomeroy: $1,000
City of Red Oak: $1,000
City of Rock Valley Trees Program: $2,000
City of Ruthven: $1,000
City of Sergeant Bluff: $1,000
City of Shelby: $1,000
City of Sioux City Parks: $7,200
City of Urbandale: $2,850
City of Van Meter: $1,000
City of Waterloo Leisure Services: $5,000
City of Waverly: $2,000
City of Wilton: $2,000
Humboldt County Conservation: $1,000

How to apply for “Trees Please!” grants
In the fall, cities and community organizations can submit grant applications to MidAmerican to be considered for grants of $1,000 or more. The company selects grant recipients based on a project’s merits, benefits to the community and the ability to obtain matching funds.

Find more "Trees Please!" program information, email planttrees@midamerican.com, or call 800-434-4017.

About MidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy Company, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at MidAmericanEnergy.com and company social media channels.