Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Middle School is being recognized with a special grant that will help the environment.

According to ADM 7th/8th Grade Gifted and Talented Teacher Jon Markus, he found the “Trees for Schools” grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2024, then applied and was selected for the grant. However, he indicates that the DNR contacted him to inform them that the grant was on pause for an unspecified reason. 

Markus details the DNR reached back out this past September and said that ADM should be getting the funds this year for the project. He mentions that the grant will be for $1,900 in order to plant nine trees. Markus illustrates that the 2020 derecho and the emerald ash borer infestation destroyed tree canopies that were at ADM Middle School, as he outlines the goals he has for the students with the grant.

“Let’s teach the kids about this invasive species emerald ash borer, and then what can we do to prevent further pest infestations in the future. Well we can do that by planting a diverse mix of native species. With the nine (trees) we have, we made sure that we really diversified our plantings, so then we aren’t setting ourselves up for another pest that will come through.”

Markus shares that he is planning to have students plant the nine trees along Tiger Drive in Adel as well as on the east side of ADM Middle School in the spring, and then will invite the students back during the summer to water them.