CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — ReLeaf Cedar Rapids has made significant progress in restoring the city’s tree canopy, which was severely damaged during the 2020 derecho. With the planting of 3,000 trees this fall, the city is closer to its goal of planting 42,500 trees over the next decade.
By the end of November, ReLeaf Cedar Rapids will have planted 4,599 trees in parks and along city right-of-ways this year. The program, which started as a ten-year initiative, aims to plant over 4,700 trees annually in its later stages.
“We started with smaller numbers in the first two years, but from here on, we are ramping up our efforts,” said Carole Teator, Program Manager for ReLeaf Cedar Rapids.
The trees planted along right-of-ways are considered vital city assets. They help with stormwater management, reduce air pollution, increase property values, and contribute to public health and walkability.
The U.S. Forest Service’s I-Tree tool estimates that the 3,000 trees planted this fall will provide more than $90,000 in benefits over the next 40 years. As Teator points out, these benefits will only grow as the trees mature.
So far, the program has raised or pledged $22.5 million in funding for its efforts.
Teator says preparations are already underway for next year’s planting season. “We’re starting to plan for spring now,” she said, “with another 2,500 to 3,000 trees set to be planted by next spring, and the cycle will continue from there.”
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