Cass County Master Gardeners to Host Operation ReLeaf Tree Distribution
Alliant Energy customers invited to purchase trees for $25
EIGHT OPERATION RELEAF EVENTS PLANNED FOR SPRING
A popular program offering landscape quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held at eight locations across Iowa this spring, including the Cass County Master Gardeners plant sale on May 4.
Operation ReLeaf, a residential tree planting program that promotes long-term energy and natural resource conservation, is funded by Alliant Energy and administered by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau with assistance from local partners, like county conservation boards and county extension offices.
Through the program, Alliant Energy residential customers may purchase high quality landscaping trees for $25 each, on a first-come, first-served basis. These trees typically retail for between $65 and $125.
The DNR is encouraging homeowners to prepare for Emerald Ash Borer and other tree pests by planting a diverse mix of tree species. Foresters have been working with local partners to create community tree inventories that will guide future tree planting efforts to keep a healthy mix of tree species.
Tree species offered will vary at each event and include shade trees, ornamentals and conifers. Shade trees are 6 to 8 feet tall in 5 to 7 gallon containers and conifers are 2 to 3 feet tall.
Advanced order is highly recommended and advance purchase is limited to two trees per household. In the event there are extra trees available on distribution day, those trees will be released for purchase at that time. Order forms are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/releaf or by clicking the link below.
Workshops will be held at most tree distributions that are lead by experts discussing ways to avoid common mistakes that often result in dead trees. The tree workshop at the Cass County location will be held at 9 AM on May 4. A pre-registration form for that course is also linked below.
Just a few of the advantages of yard trees are:
- Decrease in household heating and cooling costs
- Increase in property values
- Decrease in storm water runoff, which may reduce flooding events
- Beauty and personal enjoyment
“All trees are purchased through a bidding process to promote local nurseries,” said Paul Tauke, state forester and chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau. “This is a great way for homeowners to get a quality tree at an affordable price.”
Operation ReLeaf participants must be Alliant Energy residential customers.
For more information on the Operation ReLeaf program, or to find other locations across Iowa, visit the DRN website above or contact Laura Wagner with the Iowa DNR at 515-281-6749 or laura.wagner@dnr.iowa.gov.
Details of Operation ReLeaf Event in Cass County
May 4, Tree Pickup from 8 to 10 a.m.
Atlantic, Cass County
Cass County Fairgrounds, 805 W. 10th Street, Atlantic
Tree Planting and Care workshop, 9 a.m.
Partner: Cass County Extension and Outreach
Cass County Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale will also be going on at this time, from 8 AM until plants are sold out
