Storm Lake, Iowa – This 2012 Beautification Day was a success thanks to Alliant Energy, Buena Vista University students as well as Storm Lake High School students. The major project was tree planting along Expansion Road and clean up around the Fire and Safety Center.
Alliant Energy, through its Industrial Tree Program, granted just over $8,800 for the purchase of 67 trees. This program is to assist in Industrial Park energy efficiencies. 46 of the trees planted are Black Hills Spruce trees and will form wind breaks in the industrial park area with the remaining 21 trees being a mix of Maple, Honey Locus, and Green Spire Lindens.
More than 100 students and faculty from Buena Vista University and Storm Lake High School assisted in planting the trees in the Storm Lake Industrial Park in just under two and a half hours. The BVU students represented the wrestling, volleyball, and track and field teams.
Local businesses in the Industrial Park will benefit long term from the plantings, some of which are street trees to create a more inviting entry while providing shade over the road and adjacent parking lots. The other trees are designed to establish wind breaks which will reduce energy costs over the long term.
Storm Lake High School Students also assisted in cleanup around the Safety Center and Fire Station.
“This is another great example of how Storm Lake joins together to improve our community,” commented Mayor Jon F. Kruse. “The contribution of all concerned will be noticed and appreciated for many years to come. The City appreciates Alliant Energy and their commitment to the City and the students who gave their time and effort to make this community a better place to live, work and recreate. Without those involved we wouldn’t have been able to do this project.”