Minnesota Landscape Arboretum receives significant International Paper Foundation grant

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the International Paper Foundation to expand the Arboretum’s youth education and develop a year of tree programming for 2020. 

The grant delivers $30,000 for field trips to bring thousands of students to the Arboretum for hands-on learning experience with plants, and for the Plantmobile program, which goes into the community to deliver plant education to metro classrooms. International Paper Foundation’s support provides further funding ($20,000) for the development of new, original programming and public events about trees.

Season of Trees: Returning to Our Roots will educate the public about the beauty and benefits of trees in our communities. Educational programming and tree-focused events will celebrate trees through topics such as sustainability and protection, the relationship between trees, animals and insects, as well as products made from trees. The season will kick-off with the Spring Flower Show: Branching Out, which will showcase tree environments in Minnesota and around the world Feb. 1-March 1.

“The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is thrilled to partner with International Paper Foundation to educate the public about the value of trees and the health they bring to our communities,” said Arboretum director Peter Moe. “This support enables the Arboretum to create fresh, innovative content that will offer our visitors new and useful information about an essential aspect of nature that is a staple in our respective communities. We hope visitors take this opportunity to be inspired by and to learn more about trees.” 

The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach its vision to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the foundation annually provides millions in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to its signature causes: education, hunger, health & wellness, disaster relief, and initiatives that improve the planet. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.

“On behalf of the six International Paper facilities in the Twin Cities, we are proud to support the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and their commitment to enabling our communities to enjoy, learn from and connect with nature,” said Kristina Tonseth, regional human resources manager for International Paper’s North American Container business. “Their programs are a great way to connect thousands of children and families in our community to the beauty and benefits of nature.”