Hess Corp. has announced the donation of $25,000 to the 1,000 Trees for Minot Project as part of the company’s longstanding commitment to protecting the environment.

The 1,000 Trees for Minot Project will be advancing community development, improving quality of life, strengthening biodiversity, maintaining good air quality, creating windbreaks and shelters and educating the public through the goal of planting 1,000 trees in Minot over the next five years. Community partners include the Minot Park District and Minot Area Community Foundation.

Donna Bye and Tim Baumann brought the program to the community in an effort to provide younger generations an opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity, community participation and the work-ethic required to achieve a goal.

“We are very happy to kick off this project with so much community support. Minot is our home and being able to do our part to help give back to not only to the community now, but for generations to come is exciting,” said Bauman, co-chair of the 1,000 Trees for Minot Project

The Minot Park District Forestry Department will source, plant and maintain the trees each year. Tree species will be selected to support local biodiversity and strengthen existing ecosystems.

“The Park District is excited to be a part of the project and see the enhancement of public spaces near our parks and trails,” said Ron Merritt, Minot Parks and Recreation director. Thank you to Hess for providing this significant donation to kick start the project. Hess has been a great community partner and we are so fortunate to have their North Dakota headquarters here in Minot.”

“The 1000 Trees for Minot Project is a great initiative that will enhance the community and the environment,” said Brent Lohnes, general manager of Hess North Dakota. “Our support extends beyond this donation as many of our colleagues are active participants with this program and will support in many ways for years to come. Hess’s mission is to be the most trusted energy partner wherever we operate and positively impact the communities where we live and work. We’re proud to support bringing more trees to Minot.”

“The planting of trees lost as a result of the 2011 flood disaster, construction of the flood protection project and community growth enhances our parks and public areas and elevates the health and quality of life in our community,” said Jason Zimmerman, Minot Area Community Foundation executive director. “The support of partners, like Hess, will help us bring trees back into our community, and this donation exceeds the project’s year one goal, allowing for additional trees to be planted this first year.”

The Minot Area Community Foundation is serving as the fiscal agent for the project.