LINCOLN, Neb. — Apr. 19, 2021 — While the past year presented countless challenges, for many, it also renewed a connection to nature. This Earth Day, Black Hills Energy is giving away more than 1,000 free trees. Customers can claim theirs through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees initiative beginning Thursday, April 22.
Trees improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, reduce the urban heat island effect, and beautify the area around them. They also help conserve energy, since a strategically placed tree can save a homeowner up to 20% on energy costs.
Customers should act quickly because free trees are reserved on a first come, first served basis at
www.arborday.org/blackhillsenergy. The dormant trees are three to four feet tall and will be delivered directly to customers for spring planting from May through early June. Trees are small enough that they can be planted by an individual.
“Over the past year, spending time outdoors in our communities has been more important than ever. Our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in the Energy-Saving Trees program offers us the opportunity to embrace the many valuable benefits of planting the right tree in the right place,” said Kevin Jarosz, Black Hills Energy’s Vice President of Operations in Nebraska. “It’s also a reminder to keep looking forward to brighter days ahead, as the tree and its benefits take root.”
Since the program began in 2014, nearly 8,000 trees have been planted through the partnership.
An online tool at
www.arborday.org/blackhillsenergy helps customers quickly determine where to plant a tree to gain the most energy-saving benefits. Strategically planted trees block the hot summer sun and cold winter winds to help cut energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
Black Hills Energy is also delivering a safety message: At least two business days before you plan to dig, whether you are a homeowner or a contractor,
Call Before You Dig to have underground utility lines marked. It’s free, it’s safe and it’s the law. In Nebraska, dial 811 or schedule online at
www.ne1call.com . For additional safe digging practices, visit
www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety, including using white spray paint to mark the area where you plan to dig before line locaters arrive.
“Underground utility lines may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind,” Jarosz said. “It only takes a minute to Call Before You Dig, and it can save untold time and trouble. Please follow the rules and dig safely. We want you and your family to enjoy your new tree for a long, long time.”
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
About Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at www.arborday.org .
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