BOONE, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Section has awarded the Downtown Boone Steering Committee, that is hoping to be a designated Main Street Community, with a grant of $4,990 to be used for a tree planting in downtown Boone. The group is working on projects that will revitalize downtown Boone to help support their Main Street application.

Maintaining the current trees and adding new trees was a primary recommendation for revitalization from the Iowa Economic Development Authority team who visited Boone in April 2023. This project is in conjunction with Boone City Council, City of Boone Public Works and Parks, local business owners, local certified arborist from Freedom Tree Care, and the Downtown Boone Steering Committee. There will be a total of twenty-nine trees planted in the downtown area.

This project not only offers an aesthetic improvement to revitalize and beautify the downtown street-scape, but allows the growing trees and their shade (along with their natural cooling effects) to stimulate growth in other areas as well. Increasing foot traffic for Boone’s downtown stores, event attendance, and attractiveness to potential retailers as well as better business retention in the area will give the community a much-needed economic boost and foster a sense of community.

The Downtown Boone Steering Committee is pleased to receive the grant but is still doing fundraising for this project. The committee has ambitious plans for more projects to create a beautiful, thriving downtown district. If anyone would like to donate to the project, donations are being received at the Boone County Chamber or go online to the Chamber’s website at: www.boonecountychamber.com/downtown-boone

Tree planting is set to be conducted Monday, September 18th.

(contributed press release, Downtown Boone Steering Committee)