(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is taking applications now for a tree planting program that’s designed to benefit disadvantaged schools across the state.
D-N-R an urban forestry specialist Chip Murrow says more than 100-thousand dollars is available through the program, with grants of five-thousand dollars per public or private school. The grant money can be used to purchase trees, mulch and supplemental watering. Murrow says schools do not need to put up matching funds for these grants, so it’s a win-win, as trees provide the economic benefits of shading for cooling, and wind protection in the winter to help with heating costs.
Murrow says studies also find kids are more at ease and test better in schools with trees.
