Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Assistant Director John Batt said the grant will go towards planting a variety of trees around town, primarily on public property, parks and trails wherever possible. Communities and organizations submitted applications to MidAmerican and were selected based on their individual merits and benefits to the community while also being able to obtain matching funds.

Tina Yoder, energy efficiency manager for MidAmerican Energy said trees serve as a natural wind break while providing shade to homes and businesses.