ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Makes Progress on Tree Plantings

The City has received eleven grants, for a total of $55,000 from the 2021 Derecho Community Forestry Grant Program (Derecho CFGP). The funds will be used to plant over 400 trees in October and November at multiple public property locations. The plantings will be completed as part of a collaboration between parks and forestry crews, in partnership with community groups including Eagle/Boy Scouts, neighborhood associations, college sports teams and clubs, and other volunteer groups. Locations include Fire and Police Departments, K9Acres, Cedar Valley Park, Monroe Park, Ellis Park and Golf Course, Twin Pines Park and Golf Course, Jones Park, Arrowhead Park, Fairview Park, Glenway Park, Central Park, Kenwood Park, Northview Park, Haskell Park, Tokehiem Park, Apache Park, Navajo Park, 10th Square Park, Alandale Park, Delaney Park, Daniels Park, and Gardner Golf Course.

In addition to these plantings, the Trees Forever’s Growing Futures program will plant over 440 trees this fall in the Oakhill Jackson, Taylor, Moundview, Cedar Hills and Lincolnway Village Neighborhoods. These areas were chosen based on demographics, water schedule efficiency, heat island maps and CDC vulnerability maps. The Growing Futures Program hires area teenagers to help plant and grow the tree canopy within the City’s right-of-ways. The program, which is contracted by the City, demonstrates environmental stewardship while providing training and skills that help kids to be successful in the future.

“Even before the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan is completed, we are thrilled to have planted so many trees this year. In addition to the trees we have been planting with volunteers, partner organizations like Trees Forever and Monarch Research Project are doing a tremendous job providing 6,000 and 12,000 trees respectively to plant on private property, with more to come this fall,” Said Rachael Murtaugh, ReLeaf Manager.