Tree care workshops available starting Monday in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids residents are encouraged to attend one of three tree care workshops offered by expert arborists and urban foresters. Learn to plant and properly care for trees as the city collectively regrows the canopy lost to the August 2020 derecho. Each workshop will include an introduction to urban trees, community walkabouts with Q&A opportunities, and a tree planting demonstration.

· Monday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tomahawk Park, Cedar Rapids

· Tuesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Viola Gibson Park, Cedar Rapids

· Sept. 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cleveland Park, Cedar Rapids

Attendees of the tree care workshop series will have the opportunity to learn about specific stressors and threats to urban and residential trees, tree selection guidance for their property, tips on where to plant trees on their property for greatest benefit, and a question-and-answer session from expert arborists.

Presenters include:

· Todd Fagan — City of Cedar Rapids Arborist

· Mark Vitosh — Iowa DNR District Forester

· Helen Leavenworth — NRCS District Conservationist

· Nick McGrath — Community Disaster Recovery Coordinator — Iowa DNR & Trees Forever

These educational opportunities are happening in several Iowa towns this Fall. If you would like to host a workshop in your community, please contact Nick McGrath, Community Disaster Recovery Coordinator, at nick.mcgrath@dnr.iowa.gov or at (515) 291-6555.