FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025
Marshalltown Parks Receives Fall 2025 Trees for Kids Grant
Marshalltown, Iowa – The City of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Fall 2025 Trees for Kids Grant Program, a statewide initiative designed to support tree planting projects that engage youth, enhance green spaces, and promote environmental stewardship.
The Trees for Kids grant, administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, provides funding to communities and organizations that create hands-on educational opportunities for children while improving local parks with new trees. Through this grant, Marshalltown Parks will receive funding to plant a variety of native tree species across city parks this fall.
Kristin Titus, Marshalltown Parks Supervisor, says that in a few years, this project will aid in overcoming food insecurity. “We will be planting 18+ fruit trees ranging from cherry, apple, plum and persimmons. The trees will be planted in Optimist and Bicentennial parks and eventually bear fruit for the community to enjoy. We are partnering with Trees Forever to make this happen!”
“This grant not only helps us expand the tree canopy in our community, but also allows children and families to be directly involved in the planting process,” said Kelsie Stafford, Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s a great way to teach the next generation about the value of trees while also improving the beauty and sustainability of our parks.”
The tree planting event will take place on Saturday, October 4th, at Optimist and Bicentennial parks and is a free event. Marshalltown Parks & Recreation invites community members, schools, and youth groups to participate. Volunteers and youth will help plant trees, learn about pollination, pest threats, and food access, as well as their environmental benefits, and contribute to a lasting legacy in the city’s parks system.
Trees provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and create habitat for wildlife. With the support of the Trees for Kids program, Marshalltown Parks continues its commitment to fostering a greener, healthier, and more vibrant community.
To register your child for this event, click here: Form Center • 2025 Kids Planting Trees Sign-up For more information about the tree planting event or how to get involved, please contact the Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department at 641-754-5715 x1 or visit Trees | Marshalltown, IA
Media Contact:
Kelsie Stafford, Parks & Recreation Director
Marshalltown Parks and Recreation
641-754-5715
kstafford@marshalltown-ia.gov