Announced recently Alliant Energy, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Keokuk County Extension Office are teaming up to help Keokuk county residents save on heating and cooling costs. Operation ReLeaf is a program to help save energy in homes by using trees to provide shade during the summer and windbreaks during the winter. Katharinna Bain of the Keokuk County Extension Office says, for maximum energy savings residents should plant large-growing shade trees within 30 feet of the west and east of your home. And windblocks should be evergreens planted on the north and west side of your home.

A variety of trees, which retail for up to $125 will be on sale for $25 for the program. Orders can now be submitted and are due by April 15th. Those looking to order are encouraged to call the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641-622-2680. For more from Bain listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.