The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation celebrating October as Plant a Native Tree Month. Native plants and trees are critical to our ecosystem. They support significantly more wildlife than non-native species; they are adapted to the local climate, soil type, and wildlife; and without them, native wildlife would not be sustained. Protecting native plants and trees is vital given that pollinators, birds, and other wildlife depend on them.
A lack of native trees in parts of urban Iowa, especially oak species, have led to food and nesting “deserts" where birds cannot find appropriate food sources or nesting sites causing a reduction in the diversity of bird species and local populations of birds.
Linn County is working alongside the local non-profit Monarch Research in its "Planting Forward" campaign, which has successfully provided over 56,000 native Iowa trees for planting in Linn County to re-establish our tree canopy lost in the 2020 derecho.
What You Can Do
Plant a Native Tree!
October is an ideal month to plant a native tree. A native tree will beautify your yard and provide benefits for pollinators and the environment.
View types of native Iowa trees (PDF)
Tree planting and care tips (PDF)
Attend a Free Community Forum!
Learn common and simple steps you can take to improve your landscape and help sustain native plants and animals in our region and the benefits by attending a community forum hosted by local non-profit Monarch Research and led by author and speaker Dr. Doug Tallamy on October 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Prairie High School Concert Hall.
Residents are requested to register in advance. There is no cost to attend.