This past week has been a busy one for the Jefferson Tree Committee.

On Wednesday, Greene County High School Environmental Studies students helped to plant 28 trees at the new Greene County Animal Shelter in Jefferson. The types of trees that were planted included swamp white oak, bur oak, white oak, river birch, American sycamore, quaking aspen, bald cypress, and tulip trees. Funding for these trees was through an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Community Forestry Grant for about $2,500.

Then on Friday, Greene County eighth graders planted ten trees at Head Park and about 30 trees at Russell Park. The types of trees that were planted included swamp white oak, chinquapin oak, American sycamore, tulip tree, big tooth aspen, and cucumber tree magnolia. Funding for these trees came from a $4,000 grant through Alliant Energy and Trees Forever. 

Trees Forever Coordinator for Jefferson Brad Riphagen talked about the importance of involving students to be part of the program.

“I think it’s great because they do get actual experience planting a tree and learning how to do it correctly, in my mind. But I’m hoping that they continue to plant. I mean it’s one of those things that talk about the need to reduce carbon, well this is a perfect way to suck carbon out of the air. So if you guys can keep planting your trees and if these kids can go home and plant more trees, it’s a great way to get them involved.”

Riphagen also thanked the city of Jefferson crews for their help in digging holes for the trees and helping with removing other trees. The trees came from Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs near Woodward.