Free tree distribution event Monday at 11 a.m. in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — On Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Trees Forever will partner with International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation to distribute 325 trees at the Veterans Memorial Stadium parking lot, 950 Rockford Rd. SW.

Trees will be free to members of the community. Six species will be offered to assist in creating a diverse and resilient tree canopy with natural benefits to the local ecosystem. The trees will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one tree per vehicle, and will stand roughly four- to seven-feet-tall on the day of pickup. Species include bur oak, bald cypress, locust, white oak, ginkgo and tulip trees.

"We know homeowners lost many thousands of trees on their properties as a result of the derecho. This generous support from International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation will help bring back the shade and beauty to our community," said Kiley Miller, Trees Forever President and CEO.

"We're committed to making a positive impact in the Cedar Rapids community," said Derek Depuydt, Mill Manager at International Paper's Cedar River Mill. "Arbor Day Foundation and Trees Forever have been incredible partners in making this event possible and we're excited to help replenish some of the tree canopy that was lost during the derecho last year."

"We are proud to encourage and support local efforts to plant trees. Cities and towns around the globe that line their streets and fill their parks with trees are building healthier, happier communities," said Dan Lambe, President, Arbor Day Foundation.

Trees offer vast benefits for the community at large. Thriving urban forests bolster human health, from encouraging physical activity to reducing respiratory illnesses stemming from air pollution. In the United States, park trees alone remove about 75,000 tons ($500 million) of air pollution each year. And urban trees reduce runoff of sediment, pollutants, and organic matter into streams, improving our water quality. Trees also have been shown to reduce crime, lower stress levels, and develop community pride.