Grant Recipient Project Updates

Tree Canopy

Uni Foundation

Several organizations and communities reached out to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Foundation with a shared interest and goal of increasing their community’s tree canopy which has allowed the program launch in the Fall of 2022 to be incredibly successful. Since the launch, 1,282 trees have been planted across 10 communities. 646 volunteers were engaged and 2,096.50 volunteer hours were leveraged. The project had a variety of volunteers ranging from elementary school students to college students to community members.

Friends Of Des Moines Parks

Initially, Friends of Des Moines Parks planned to plant 100 trees across four urban parks. Since then, the organization has expanded the number of trees to 130 across five urban park spaces. Native and local ecotype species will be prioritized to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the initial maintenance necessary for establishment. Trained volunteers will assist in planting the trees in the fall.

Dr. Sara Crawford was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation (WFSI). Dr. Crawford joined Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC) as president in May 2022. Her experience and connections throughout the supply chain bring WFSI a unique perspective and understanding of core points throughout the supply network. With an extensive background in agriculture, animal and meat sciences, and sustainability, Dr. Crawford's insight and shared passion for regenerative agriculture practices and food supply related industries will further support the WFSI mission and vision.