Public Invited to ReLeaf Update and Tree Care Workshop Series

The City of Cedar Rapids and Trees Forever invite the public to participate in a ReLeaf Plan Update on Wednesday, August 25, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Avenue SE. Tree care workshops for homeowners will follow on August 30, 31 and September 16.

Planner Jeff Speck, Confluence Inc. and Trees Forever representatives, and other ReLeaf partners will discuss the planning process and provide updates on the timelines for the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan. The presentation will cover the guiding principles of the project and will highlight new information from public feedback on planning priorities. Jeff Speck will explain the best practices, related tree research, and foundational information that is helping to guide the ReLeaf plan. Confluence will share updated 3D graphics and renderings for five Cedar Rapids park replantings. The presentation will conclude with an explanation of how residents can still get involved and engage with the plan development through a Social Pinpoint website. The presentation will be recorded and shared on the ReLeaf page on the City of Cedar Rapids’ Website and Trees Forever’s website by September 5.

“We are excited that Jeff Speck, a nationally recognized planner, will be here to share the progress we have made on the ReLeaf plan,” said Rachael Murtaugh, ReLeaf Program Manager. “In addition, we are providing residents with three opportunities to gain knowledge on how they can plant and care for private trees as we collectively regrow the Cedar Rapids tree canopy.”

Workshops are scheduled for homeowners to learn about tree planting and care. Attendees can select one workshop to attend  to learn about specific stressors and threats to urban and residential trees, tree selection guidance for their property, and tips on where to plant trees on their property for the greatest benefit. The workshop will also include a question and answer session. Pre-registration is not required. Workshops are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, August 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Tomahawk Park
• Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Viola Gibson Park
• Thursday, September 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Cleveland Park

 Workshop presenters include expert arborists and urban foresters including Todd Fagan, City of Cedar Rapids Arborist, Mark Vitosh, Iowa DNR District Forester, Helen Leavenworth, Natural Resource Conservation Service District Conservationist, and Nick McGrath, Community Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Trees Forever.