INLA NEWSLETTER

June 2026

IN THIS ISSUE: 

• Iowa Arboretum Trial Program Field Day
• Iowa Tree Planting Grant
• Board Member Spotlight

A note from Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

With the growing season underway, this time of year fills quickly. Before calendars become too full, we wanted to invite you to save the date for the Iowa Arboretum Trial Program’s third annual Field Day on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We hope you will join us for a day of plants, conversation, and community in the Trial Garden at peak bloom. It is a chance to step away from the day-to-day pace, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the beauty and inspiration that only a garden in full season can offer.

Planning is still underway, but we wanted to make sure you have the date on your calendar now. We would be delighted to welcome you.

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received funds for tree planting grants for communities.

The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the fall of 2026, spring and fall of 2027, and spring of 2028. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 to $30,000 per applicant.

The Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, help with energy costs, and increase access to parks and nature. Eligibility is determined by the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool.

To Apply, go to the Iowa DNR Urban Forestry website. Iowa Tree Planting applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd, 2026. Award recipients will be notified by Wednesday, July 8th, 2026.

For questions about the application, reimbursement and rules, contact Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031.



For application assistance or to set up a site visit, contact Laurie Dams at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414.

Sean Pearl

Owner, Sustainable Landscape Solutions, Board Member - INLA

About me:

I’m the owner of Sustainable Landscape Solutions based in the Iowa City area. I started the company with a passion for connecting people with nature and creating outdoor spaces that improve how people experience their homes, businesses, and communities. Over the years, our work has grown to include landscape design/build, native plantings, ecological restoration, stormwater solutions, and long-term landscape gardening maintenance.

I’ve always enjoyed the balance of creativity, leadership, and problem-solving that comes with this industry. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is building a strong team culture and helping people grow both personally and professionally. I’m passionate about sustainability, education, and continuing to elevate the professionalism of the landscape industry in Iowa.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and business partner, Meredith (aka Dish) and our two daughters, Amelia (11) and Lucy (8). Much of our family time revolves around being outdoors, traveling, attending sporting events, and finding new adventures together. I also enjoy industry leadership, business development, and learning from other business owners and professionals.

Why I’m involved with INLA:

I’m currently serving my sixth year on the INLA Board and previously served as Board Chair. Being involved with INLA has given me the opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals who genuinely care about improving and advancing our industry. I’ve especially enjoyed working on initiatives focused on education, workforce development, and strengthening connections between contractors, nurseries, suppliers, educators, and students.

I believe the green industry plays a critical role in the health, beauty, and sustainability of our communities. Whether it’s creating spaces for families to gather, restoring natural ecosystems, or helping people reconnect with the outdoors, the work we do matters.

I’m grateful for the relationships and friendships that have come through INLA, and I appreciate everyone who volunteers their time to help move the industry forward. Please feel free to reach out anytime with ideas, questions, or ways we can continue improving together.

Do you have any exciting projects, updates, or announcements to share?

We’re always looking to highlight the great work happening across INLA membership, and we’d love to feature your company in an upcoming newsletter.

Whether it’s a new initiative, expansion, event, or something you’d like to promote, please send a brief update to Heath DeYoung at hdeyoung@agribiz.org.

We appreciate your input and look forward to sharing your story!

Registration now open!

Get your All-Access Education Pass for Cultivate 26, held July 11-14,

in Columbus, OH, and start planning your schedule across 160+ educational sessions, half- or full-day workshops, or industry production tours to learn new skills. Get all the details at the link below.

American Hort - Cultivate 26 Registration

If your business is looking to hire horticulture students, the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association can help you reach them through our partnership with Kirkwood Community College.

To advertise a job or internship for Kirkwood Horticulture students, email agsciences@kirkwood.edu with a PDF or Word document describing the position. Be sure to include:



• Whether it’s a job or an internship
• Business location and contact information
• Pay range
• A brief description of your business and your role

Kirkwood will post your opportunity on the Horticulture building job board and on their electronic job platform, giving your listing strong visibility with students preparing for careers in the green industry.

Share your openings today to connect with future industry professionals!

If you haven’t returned your 2025-26 Membership Enrollment, please follow the link below and take a moment to register online!

INLA Membership Online Membership Form

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