ReLeaf effort enters a new phase

Since the fall of 2021, when ReLeaf Cedar Rapids started its effort to plant tens of thousands of trees in the wake of the destructive 2020 derecho, the project has made considerable progress.

So far, more than 19,000 trees have been planted, including 6,850 along city streets and in parks and another 12,500 trees adopted by area residents. One thousand volunteers have been recruited, more than 125 teens have been trained and employed and replanting has happened in 11 neighborhoods.

During the “silent” phase of its fundraising effort, Trees Forever, which is partnering with the city od Cedar Rapids on replanting efforts, raised $3.5 million. That’s in addition to $10 million pledged by the city over the next 10 years.

Also, the city won a pair of federal grants totaling $9.5 million. A $3.5 million grant will fund tree planting along streets and removing stumps from parks. A second $6 million grant would go toward plant trees along streets. Both grants require focusing tree-planting in disadvantaged neighborhoods, as identified in the U.S. Census.

Now, Trees Forever will be asking residents for two things — donations and a willingness to get involved in the ReLeaf campaign.

The organization plans to ask every individual and business for help raising the remaining $13.5 million to meet ReLeaf’s $37 million fundraising goal. That will help cover the cost of planting an additional 34,221 trees on street rights of way and distribute an additional 20,000 for private properties. Those plantings would put Cedar Rapids on track to establish 30% tree canopy coverage, compared to 8 percent after the derecho.

Trees Forever will be recruiting “tree captains” to lead neighborhood planting efforts, offering vouchers to help residents buy trees from local nurseries, building a teen workforce to care for trees along streets and in parks and training volunteer “tree keepers” to train volunteers.

ReLeaf’s goal is not to simply replace trees felled by the derecho. The program will be bringing trees to neighborhoods that lacked tree cover before the storm. Many of these areas are in urban “heat deserts” and could benefit from the shade of trees. Trees can lower cooling costs in the summer and bring beauty to neighborhoods year-round.

Trees forever will be making a pitch for volunteers and donations at today’s EcoFest celebration at NewBo City Market. Stop by to learn more about the program. Or visit the ReLeaf website.

(319) 398 -8262; editorial@thegazette.com