Cedar Rapids lost about 70% of its trees in the 2020 derecho that tore across the state and the creates of a program to restore the trees says they’ve passed the half-way point.
Trees Forever put together the program to replant trees in public spaces and private neighborhoods that the group’s CEO Michelle Beisker says is called ReLeaf Cedar Rapids . “We’re recreating that mature tree canopy that we believe all neighborhoods should have because we know that there is the need for shade and that trees provide improved soil quality and water quality and they’re key to creating a beautiful neighborhood, “ she says.
Beisker says part of the plan is to plant different kinds of replacement trees. “We have a tree species list and we follow that list to make sure we have diverse trees planted. The right tree in the right place,” she says.”So that we are growing trees that will survive in all seasons and through all kinds of disasters and invasive species.”
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids, in cooperation with the city of Cedar Rapids, has planted more than 22,000 trees with their 10-year goal of planting 42,000 trees.
(By George Dorman, KCCK, Cedar Rapids)