Ames is growing greener thanks to a powerful partnership and dedicated People of Action. On April 25, the Rotary Club of Ames and Rotaract at Iowa State University joined forces with the City of Ames and The Ames Foundation to plant 70 trees in the Welbeck and Brickman neighborhoods. Supported by DNR and USDA grants, our volunteers rolled up their sleeves to diversify our urban forest.
The Challenge: Strengthening the Urban Canopy
To bolster the resilience of our local ecosystem, the City of Ames targeted the Welbeck and Brickman neighborhood for a major canopy expansion. The goal was to plant 70 trees to improve air quality and neighborhood health—a task requiring a significant community workforce.
The Action: Partnership in Motion
In honor of Arbor Day, over 10 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Ames and the Rotaract Club at Iowa State University mobilized as People of Action. Supported by grants from the Iowa DNR and the USDA Forest Service, our team worked alongside other volunteers to get the job done. Utilizing The Ames Foundation's "Planting Trailer," Rotarians and Rotaractors spent the morning digging, mulching, and planting saplings across both neighborhoods.
The Result: A Living Legacy
The effort successfully added 70 new trees to the Ames urban forest, ensuring a more diverse and vibrant landscape for future generations. By bridging the gap between government grants and hands-on service, Rotarians & Rotaractors helped residents take an active role in their environment. As City Forester Gabriele Edwards noted, "This contribution directly improves the long-term health of our community's green spaces."
