A Youth-Focused Tree Planting Initiative Announced by Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Vinton Tree Nursery

Without your donation, some stories vanish. Support Decorah News. VINTON, Iowa — In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has partnered with Frazier Nursery on a statewide, youth-focused tree-planting initiative. With additional collaboration from Iowa FFA, Iowa 4-H and the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, the department is encouraging youth groups across Iowa to join the initiative by planting trees on Arbor Day, April 24, 2026. The initiative aims to plant 250 trees across Iowa, connecting students with the state's agricultural heritage while providing an opportunity to learn about natural resource conservation and the importance of land stewardship. "We couldn't be more excited about this initiative and honored to be a part of it," said Alex Frazier of Frazier Nursery. "This statewide event offers students across Iowa an opportunity to give back to their communities in a meaningful way, learn about trees and planting, and be part of something that will be around for generations." As part of the Arbor Day events, a dedication ceremony will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Friday, April 24. Frazier Nursery will be joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Representatives from Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA will plant and dedicate a bur oak as the official Iowa America250 tree. Interested youth groups can visit www.Iowa250Trees.com for more information and to order trees. The deadline to order is April 10. Regional delivery is available at no additional cost. Each tree ordered from the site will include a commemorative plaque to place near the planted tree. Frazier Nursery, based in Vinton, is a full-service tree nursery specializing in growing windbreak trees for farmers, producers and landowners across the state. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.