Ames Receives $18,000 Commitment From Renewable Energy Group To Plant Trees

Press release from the City of Ames:

May 21, 2021

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has received a commitment of $6,000 per year over the next three years from Renewable Energy Group Inc. (REG) for tree planting efforts in the city.

According to City Forester Paul Tauke, the first round of REG funds will be used to plant trees at Inis Grove Park. “This spring’s contribution of $3,000, along with the City’s existing tree planting plans, will plant almost 60 trees in our parks and cemeteries,” said Tauke.

REG is a global biofuels producer with headquarters based in Ames. Natalie Merrill, Senior Vice President, Business Development for REG, who also oversees the business’ philanthropy committee, shared that REG’s philanthropic giving focuses on supporting organizations that embody the pillars of youth, health, or the environment. “Supporting environmental causes aligns well with our mission of helping to create a cleaner world. We are honored to support our community in this way,” said Merrill.

Tauke said this ongoing three-year commitment from REG will provide additional leverage for future tree planting grant opportunities. “Partnerships with businesses, non-profit organizations, and community service groups are a very important part of our tree planting efforts in Ames,” said Tauke. “These partnerships are even more critical as we work to recover from last summer’s derecho.”

For more information, please contact Tauke at 515.239.542 or paul.tauke@cityofames.org.

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. Indoor programs are provided year-round at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, and Municipal Pool. For more information on Ames Parks and Recreation, please call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.