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Trees Forever urges Clive to join regional "1 Million Trees" campaign
Summary
Larry James of Trees Forever presented the nonprofit's regional "1 Million Trees Central Iowa" goal through 2032, highlighted volunteer and youth planting programs, and encouraged Clive staff to coordinate counting past and future plantings toward the regional target.
Larry James, a board member of Trees Forever, briefed the council on the organization's 35-year history, the "1 Million Trees Central Iowa" campaign aligned with the Capital Crossroads region and how local municipalities can participate.
James said Trees Forever assists more than 200 communities with tree planning, technical assistance and grant awards (about $650,000 in grants last year). He described three campaign elements: planting (public and private), tree preservation (conservation easements, protections during development) and policy advocacy (strengthening city ordinances and preservation protocols). He encouraged Clive staff to work with Trees Forever representatives in the room (Megan Schneider and Dan Washburn) and to log trees the city has planted since 2022 so those trees count toward the regional total.
Council members thanked the presenter, noted existing local emerald ash borer and park-planting work, and identified staff leads to coordinate volunteer projects and counting. The council expressed openness to collaboration on volunteer tree giveaways and youth planting programs.
No formal action or vote was taken; staff will follow up on coordination and tree-counting.
