The city of Des Moines, Microsoft, Wright Tree Service and Wright Outdoor Solutions are investing in a new Trees Forever youth employment program called Growing Futures. Through Growing Futures, Trees Forever will employ and mentor teenagers and young adults as they plant, water and care for the city’s trees with a focus on underserved neighborhoods. Organizers this morning celebrated the kickoff of the partnership by planting 20 trees during an Arbor Day ceremony at Evelyn K. Davis Park in Des Moines. The city of Des Moines has committed $200,000 annually for the next five years for new trees and watering, and Microsoft, via its Datacenter Community Development initiative, awarded $100,000 to help launch Growing Futures. Trees Forever must raise a total of $3.1 million in funds to meet the needs of the program over the next five years. Under the contract with the city, Trees Forever will plant and care for a minimum of 533 trees annually through Growing Futures and with volunteers. Click here for more information on Growing Futures or contact Jackie Wedeking by phone at 319-640-0757 or via email.