Happy Spring! During the winter months we have been busy planning a big tree planting project. This will be a 
collaborative project and the entire community is invited to take part; we are looking for 250+ volunteers over several days!! The Tree Planting initiative serves as the kick off for a series of educational events focused on energy savings sponsored by Alliant Energy Hometown Rewards. It also happens to be Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world and celebrates the work that young people are doing to improve communities. And don’t forget, Sunday the 22nd is Earth Day…this is a great way to be involved in a meaningful project by working together with fellow residents to make a difference here in Fairfield. There are volunteer needs leading up to the big tree planting as well as actually digging in the dirt and getting the trees in the ground. Here are some opportunities:
Saturday, April 14th: 10 volunteers per ward, to hang doorhangers and posters informing residents of the tree planting and the kick off to the grant events
Sunday, April 15th: 10 volunteers per ward, to hang doorhangers and posters
Friday, April 20th: 15 volunteers to prep the orchard site, deliver materials and possibly dig holes at school planting sites
Saturday, April 21st: 15 volunteers to prep the orchard site, deliver materials (volunteer needs on these two days will vary based upon the weather that week and final needs so some flexibility is needed here)
Sunday, April 22nd (EARTH DAY): 90 volunteers to plant the orchard, 30 in each of three time slots:
9:00 am – 11am
11:30am – 1:30pm
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Sunday, April 22: 10 volunteers to help with clean up efforts after the picnic dinner
Volunteers should sign up ahead of time for their preferred time slot so that we can plan accordingly. Bring your friends and family and share this email far and wide!
Plan to wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty, consider a pair of gloves and bring along some drinking water or snacks.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels. Parking is at the entrance to Chautauqua Park and then walk down to the trail entrance. Map of the planting site to come.
All volunteers are encouraged to attend the tree planting workshop on Wednesday, April 18th at 7:15pm at the old St. Mary’s building, N. 3rd and Grimes. All volunteers will receive a free Dig In, Fairfield t-shirt or bandana.
At the end of Sunday, we will be hosting a picnic dinner in celebration of the tree planting efforts and to kick off the entire Alliant Energy Hometown Rewards Grant and the series of events and educational efforts that will follow. A Dinner (catered by Hy-Vee, including vegetarian options) and Entertainment (Jefferson County Green Band) will follow from 4:30-8:00.
Dig In, Fairfield Partners: Trees Forever, Alliant Energy Hometown Rewards, City of Fairfield, Iowa State University Extension, Fairfield Volunteer Center, Fairfield Parks and Rec, Fairfield Trails Council, Fairfield Schools, Maharishi School, Singing Cedars School, EcoFairfield
Hometown Reward Program Partners: Alliant Energy, City of Fairfield, Iowa State University Extension, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield Volunteer Center, Fairfield residents
Hometown Reward Program Sponsors: Ideal Energy
Please RSVP with your availability via phone at 641.209.9045 or via email at www.fairfieldvolunteers@gmail.com by April 6.
the loop trail creating our community’s first public orchard. Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Apricots, Mulberries, Persimmons, Paw Paws, Walnuts, Chestnuts and Hazelnuts make up the diverse planting that will serve as a community gathering place and educational station for years to come.
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