March 29, 2024

Trees Forever award 34th grant for Creston

The Creston FFA Chapter and Southwestern Community College Agriculture Department partnered together to plant 52 deciduous trees valued at $9,995 in Creston during the week of April 13.

The trees were planted at Southwestern Community College, Southern Prairie YMCA, and Bill Sears softball and VFW baseball complexes.

In addition, 16 London Plane trees were planted along the SWCC entrance on West Townline to replace the trees lost during the 2012 tornado.

“The impact our tree planting projects have on our community might not be obvious today, but it is something future generations will come to appreciate,” said Creston FFA Advisor Kelsey Bailey in a press release.

Creston FFA has utilized the Alliant Energy Trees Forever grant since 1992. SWCC ag students joined in the effort in 2010. In all, 3,005 deciduous trees, 706 evergreen trees and 786 shrubs valued at $564,585 have been planted in 114 landscaping projects around Creston.

“Getting out in the community to plant trees is a great opportunity to build environmental diversity and adding to the natural beauty of our town,” said Creston FFA President Darin Hatfield. “Not to forget the hands-on learning that takes place when planting the trees.”

Creston FFA will be recognized with the Community Environment Award at the state convention for their work with community and environmental activities. It will also be recognized as a Supreme National Chapter, one of 25 chapters in the state to earn that honor.

Galen Zumbach, who served as the Creston FFA advisor from 1977 to 2010, said another Alliant Energy “Trees Forever” grant has been applied for. Applicants will be notified in September 2015.