Trees Forever: A week of Earth Day activities

Environmental issues may seem overwhelming on a global scale.

Wildlife extinction, loss of habitat, climate change and natural disasters such as flooding - which Iowans know all too well - can lead to feelings of helplessness.

Earth Day was founded in 1970 to draw attention to the oil spills, polluting factories, raw sewage, toxic waste dumps and other environmental concerns that were pervasive in the United States at the time.

In the past 45 years, the movement has spread internationally, with a network now reaching more than 22,000 organizations in 192 countries.

Still, both problems and improvements are most noticeable on the local level.

Iowans depend on clean water and air, productive agricultural soils and thriving woodlands and other wildlife habitat to fully enjoy our state's quality of life.

Trees Forever works on all of these issues throughout the year with volunteer participation the cornerstone of our grass roots philosophy.

Tree plantings, invasive species removal and a multitude of other projects undertaken by our non-profit organization would not be possible without the help of volunteers.

Last year, Trees Forever, along with our volunteers, planted an average 88 trees every day.

This month, in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day - a holiday to promote tree planting - on April 24, Trees Forever is launching an 'Earth Week Blitz,” sponsored by Transamerica.

We started the week on Monday with a Walk and Learn at the Cedar Rapids Schools Administration Building, 2500 Edgewood Rd. NW, for a tour of innovative sustainable landscaping features that were incorporated into the design for the campus.

The tour, led by Dr. David Benson, Superintendent of the Cedar Rapids School District, George Kanz of Shive-Hattery and Dustin Hinrichs of Trees Forever, included information about tree preservation and conservation, stormwater management and habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Other of the week's events include tree plantings in Marion and Cedar Rapids, a cleanup at Cedar Lake and more, culminating in Eco-Fest on Saturday in the New Bohemia District in Cedar Rapids. The non-juried public art project, 2x2xU, features a 'My Tree” theme with art to be hung throughout the neighborhood.

All of the activities can be found on our website and we would love to see participation by Iowans of all ages.

Every small effort combines to provide a greater impact for our environment and community, allowing all of us to feel less overwhelmed by issues facing our state and beyond.

Be a part of something big. Join Trees Forever in the Earth Week Blitz and help us plant a better tomorrow.

' Shannon Ramsay is founding president and CEO of Trees Forever, with national headquarters in Marion. Comments: shannon@treesforever.org