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.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors and Clark McLeod of Monarch Research holding the Plant a Native Tree proclamation.