MidAmerican Energy has awarded a $3,000 grant to the city of Johnston for its “Trees Please!” program aimed at improving energy efficiency through tree planting. The funding will go toward adding shade along the Green Meadows Greenbelt Trail, an area affected by the 2020 tornado and derecho. The project will see the planting of about 20 trees in May or June. The program supports tree planting projects in publicly owned properties, schools, and community spaces. The right placement of trees can improve energy efficiency by providing shade in summer and serving as natural windbreaks in winter. Johnston is one of 55 Iowa cities and community organizations to receive the “Trees Please!” grant. MidAmerican Energy selected grant recipients based on each project’s merits, community benefits and the applicant’s ability to obtain matching funds.