BOWLING GREEN, Mo. —  The City of Bowling Green was the recent recipient of a grant from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, who partners with Central Electric Power Cooperative, for trees that have already been planted in the city parks.

Cuivre River’s Mary Wilson presented Bowling Green Mayor Jim Arico with a check for almost $500 to help cover the costs of planting trees at the new Barb Allison Park and the main city park.

“We applied for this grant because we had a blank canvas at the new Barb Allison park,” said Mayor Arico. “We had the equipment, but there’s no shade. So, we took advantage of this program to put more green into Bowling Green.”

Mayor Arico added that the trees have already been planted thanks to Alliance Water Resources who were able to get them in the ground before the cold spell hit. In total the city got 35 trees to be split between the parks and Erica Mitalovich, president of the park board, was instrumental in selecting the trees and making sure Alliance received them.

Wilson explained that the Green Tree Partnership Program was created by Central Electric more than 30 years ago. Cuivre River has partnered with them for almost as long. The program has funded about 45 grants throughout the area including with local homeowners associations, Elsberry American Legion, the cities of Silex and Old Monroe, Winfield Sports Association, Hawk Point Athletic Association and the Lincoln County Council on Aging.

She added the purpose of the Green Tree Partnership Program is to assist communities in the purchase of trees. Central Electric will provide funds up to $500 and if the project goes over that amount, Cuivre River will match up to $500.

“We recognize the impact trees have upon the quality of life,” noted Wilson “They can provide shade and beauty to schools, courthouses and other public areas.”

Those eligible to apply for the program include, but not limited to, local units of government, community and economic development departments, park departments, public schools, in additional to not-for-profit organizations. Just know, a tree planting plan must be included with the application.

To learn more, visit Cuivre River Electric’s website at cuivre.com/enhancement, look for Green Tree Partnership Grant. There is a link to the application on the webpage. Or call Gayle Stelzer, marketing representative and coordinator of the program for Cuivre River Electric at 636-695-4714.

You can listen to the full interview below.