IWOA will conduct a Legacy Planting at the Atkins Roundhouse Area Park near Atkins that is managed by Benton County Conservation. Planting dates will be April 24 from 9 AM to Noon and 1 pm to 5 PM. 350 native trees and shrub seedlings will be planted by volunteers. Rain date is Friday May 1. Once home to a historic train roundhouse, this unique 85-acre property was heavily impacted by the 2020 derecho. Benton County Conservation received a two-phase grant to revitalize the area. Phase one—tree removal and site clearing—is now complete and Phase two—tree replanting—is underway. This area is located on the northeast corner of the City of Atkins. The planting project is being conducted in conjunction with the America 250 Iowa Agriculture Tree Planting initiative in commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. The Benton Community FFA and Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapters along with IWOA Board, Benton County Conservation and Atkins Community Club volunteers will conduct the tree planting activities.
If you can come help, please bring a shovel!