Quaker workers plant trees for Earth Day

Approximately 30 Quaker Oats employees planted saplings along the Sac and Fox trail, near Cole Street in southeast Cedar Rapids, Thursday morning.

The cereal company, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Forestry Department, planted nearly 300 saplings, ranging from 12 to 18 inches high. Six different species were planted, including River Birch, Swamp White Oak and Tulip Tree. All were chosen because they will thrive in the flood-prone river bottom soil.

The planting includes a bamboo pole for support of the sapling, a mesh covering to protect it from deer and a black tarp for weed control.

The Quaker employees said they enjoyed getting a half day off from work and look forward to doing it again next Earth Day.

-- Mark Benischek, KCRG-TV