April 7, 2023
Imagine Grinnell and its 1000 Trees initiative will host a free tree distribution this spring. Sign up for a free tree will open April 11 to anyone in the 50112 zip code who has not previously received a free tree from Imagine Grinnell. The 1000 Tree committee is also working with community partners to plant 29 fruit trees this spring. Currently, the 1000 Trees initiative has planted 627 trees and 250 seedlings in the 50112 community.
45 trees will be available for pick up or delivery on April 28 and 29. Trees will come in 7 or 10 gallon containers. A limited selection is available and includes the following species: Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (single stem and multi stem), River Birch, Minnesota Redbud, Thornless Hawthorn, Skyline Honeylocust, Bur Oak, and Frontyard Linden. Interested residents should complete the Google form link to sign up for a tree: https://forms.gle/SShcKuwmGTs3XtLSA or call 641-236-5518.
The Imagine Grinnell Tree Corps will be available to assist community members with help planting in yards only. No right of way trees will be planted by Tree Corps. If property owners are interested in planting trees in the right of way, they may do so by following the City of Grinnell guidelines.
For property owners planting trees in the right of way, they must complete the following steps in preparation for the planting:
● Contact Iowa One Call to locate the existing utilities with a 20’ radius of planting location: 1-800-292-8989.
● Complete a permit with the city of Grinnell, available online at www.grinnelliowa.gov, under Building & Planning or call (641) 236-2600 for more information. Permits do not need to be completed for trees planted on homeowner’s property in areas not in the right of way.
● Be prepared to care for the tree for the first few years, including frequent watering and mulching.
Imagine Grinnell/1000 Trees invites you to celebrate Earth Day in Grinnell by donating to help reach the 1000 tree mark. Following the spring planting of shade and fruit trees, 951 trees will have been planted in the 50112 community. Imagine Grinnell anticipates reaching the 1000 tree mark this fall but needs your help in funding the remaining 49 trees. Donations can be made by calling 641-236-5518 or visiting the Imagine Grinnell website at www.imaginegrinnell.org.
1000 Trees Grinnell will be placing further orders in 2023. Grinnellians are able to purchase and plant a tree in the right of way on their own but should consult the City’s Recommended Tree List (available at www.grinnelliowa.gov) for approved trees.
The 1000 Trees steering committee continues to organize a plan to systematically replant and support new trees in Grinnell. If you would like to donate to the initiative, please go to the Imagine Grinnell website, https://www.imaginegrinnell.org/support, and designate 1000 Trees in the drop down option. Follow Imagine Grinnell’s facebook page and website for information on upcoming opportunities to volunteer. 1000 Trees plans to coordinate with the City of Grinnell, Grinnell College, and other interested parties in the process of re-treeing Grinnell.
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About Imagine Grinnell
Imagine Grinnell is a partner program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation focused on creating healthier people and a healthier environment in the Grinnell community. The mission of Imagine Grinnell is to turn imagination into action to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and healthy Grinnell. For more information about Imagine Grinnell or to get involved, please visit imaginegrinnell.org or call 641-236-5518.
