Five years later — reflecting, rebuilding, and growing a stronger future

Aug. 10, 2020, was a day that changed Cedar Rapids forever. In less than an hour, a devastating derecho destroyed over 670,000 trees across our community. It was a loss so vast that it reshaped our landscape, our sense of place, and our shared connection to nature.

But as we mark the five-year anniversary of this unprecedented storm, Trees Forever sees this moment not just as a time to remember what we lost, but to celebrate what we’ve built — and recommit to what we must still accomplish together.

Since Aug. 11, 2020, Trees Forever has focused on more than just planting trees. We’ve been growing them — intentionally, strategically, and collaboratively. Through the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids initiative, we’ve helped lead the charge to restore our urban canopy in ways that are more resilient, equitable, and sustainable for the future.

Rebuilding our urban canopy has never been just about the number of trees planted — it’s about planting the right trees, in the right places, for the right reasons. Since 2020, Trees Forever has prioritized quality over quantity. Our experts are working closely with the City of Cedar Rapids and community partners to ensure that every tree planted is resilient, diverse, and well-suited for the Iowa landscape.

Through programs like Community Tree Distributions and Neighborhood Tree Captains, we’ve empowered residents to become active stewards of their neighborhoods. Each tree is paired with guidance on species selection, planting technique, and long-term care. These efforts have not only restored shade and beauty, but have also strengthened social ties — neighbors working together to regreen their blocks and reclaim their shared spaces.

Our Tree Voucher Program, developed in partnership with local nurseries, goes a step further by requiring participants to attend educational classes before selecting their trees. More than 900 residents have engaged with this hands-on learning, deepening their understanding of tree placement, maintenance, and ecosystem benefits. Schools, nonprofits, and other institutions have also participated through our Campus Canopy 10+ program, creating lasting, green infrastructure and learning opportunities for entire communities.

These initiatives are growing more than trees, they’re cultivating a culture of stewardship, pride, and environmental literacy. And that’s the kind of progress that lasts. Rebuilding will take decades, but we are committed to seeing it through.

Looking ahead, Trees Forever is focused on:

Replicating Trees Forever programing to communities facing environmental threats and disasters.

Providing increased support to private landowners, including assistance not only with planting, but also with tree removal — a costly and often limiting factor in the replanting process.

Continuing to prioritize education, ensuring residents know the importance of “the right tree, in the right place, for the right reason” and have the tools to maintain healthy trees for generations.

Strengthening our volunteer network to meet the ambitious goals of the 10-year ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan.

Trees Forever believes in a future where our city is more than restored, it’s reimagined. Where the canopy we build is smarter, stronger, and more equitable than before. Where every person understands that a healthy tree canopy is a powerful solution — for shade, stormwater, clean air, mental health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

This anniversary is a reminder of our loss, yes, but even more so, it is a celebration of our collective power to regrow. Learn more, volunteer, or support our work at treesforever.org/releaf.

Michelle Beisker is the CEO of Trees Forever, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship.