T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ
The MHS Class of 1969 has raised $100,000 to replace local trees that were damaged or destroyed in the July 2018 tornado. Pictured are trees the alumni group had planted at the west entrance of the Iowa Veterans Home.

Shortly after the July 2018 tornado, members of the Marshalltown High School Class of 1969 came together to organize the MHS Bobcat Alumni Fund, Inc., (a non-profit) with the goal of raising $50,000 to replace local trees damaged or destroyed in the storm. They have raised $100,000 and now hope to reach the $125,000 mark in time for the Donor Recognition Picnic, slated Sept. 29.

The Marshalltown Tree Restoration Fund Drive has been supported by local businesses, fellow alumni groups and grant funding.

Approved tree restoration projects include:

• The west entrance (completed) and campus of the Iowa Veterans Home

• Marshall County Courthouse lawn (to begin once construction is completed)

• The City of Marshalltown Terrace Tree Program

• County and city parks and recreational venues

• Marshalltown schools (which now includes an educational tree care program for elementary students)

• A cooperative program with JBS for its impacted employees in the hard-hit First Ward

• Private Resident Projects: “Trees for Vets,” “Trees For Grandpa and Grandma,” and “Trees for the Backyard”

“Raising money to cover the cost of 500 trees was the original goal, but now we’re in a position to support planting 800 trees,” Campaign Vice President/Treasurer Lyle Jensen said. “Marshalltown’s historical canopy of trees is truly a treasured memory for so many current and former residents, as noted by the many donor letters and phone calls we have received.”

In addition, the Class of ’69 is teaming with the City of Marshalltown to support its Marshalltown Downtown Master Plan.

“We’ve been asked to participate in supporting the greenery piece of the Master Plan, and that allowed me to apply for a couple of additional grants,” Jensen said. “This would include planting trees, bushes and adding shaded bench spaces.”

City Housing and Community Development Director Michelle Sponheimer said she welcomes their involvement.

“It’s exciting they want to participate in the plan,” she said.

Jensen said he’s been working closely with City Horticulturalist Kristin Titus on tree selection and the planting schedule.

“You don’t want to plant 500 trees in one year, then 20 or 30 years from now, those trees start to die, so we’re working (with Titus). We’ll be planting trees over a 2-3 year timeframe,” he said.

The fund drive will go through September 29 and culminate with a MHS All Alumni Picnic Celebration held at Riverview Park. This ambitious project also commemorates the class’ 50th year reunion.

“These donations have ensured our vision that ‘Bringing Back the Green’ will be a reality,” he said.

People interested in getting involved may visit the class’ Marshalltown Tree Restoration Fund Facebook page. Donations may be made at gofundme.com/marshalltown-tornado-restoration and through PayPal.

Checks are payable to: MHS Bobcat Alumni Fund, c/o Lyle Jensen, P.O. Box 287, Winterset, Iowa 50273. For more information, Jensen may be reached at 515-468-9631 and lylejensen.ia@gmail.com.