Apply for a Share of $5,000 to Re-Plant Cedar Rapids

Never one to complain about the sun, I never thought I'd say it. But every time it gets really hot or sunny, I miss that tree.

A gaping empty space left in our yard doesn't go unnoticed. I couldn't even tell you what kind of tree it was but I know it was the perfect shade tree, gone forever because of the spring hail storm and summer derecho of 2020.

It was a great tree. If you're in the same boat, mourning the loss of a tree you never knew you cared so much about, Trees Forever can help.

They are a nonprofit that's been doing great work around the city ever since that August 10 derecho by working to rebuild the damaged and destroyed tree canopy left behind. CBS2 says the "Planting Hope" campaign is set to provide $5,000 in tree replacement grants.

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Trees Forever say groups working on planting projects on publicly-owned land and those working on tree and seedling giveaways for private properties are encouraged to apply for the first round here. Applications must be in by April 1.

It's going to take a long time to replant the 60 percent or more of the tree canopy reportedly lost, but Trees Forever hopes this campaign, with additional rounds of funding set to deploy in June and November, can help.

Trees Forever founding President and CEO Shannon Ramsay said

We are overwhelmed by the community members that have reached out to tell us how much the tree loss has affected them and how eager they are to replant. We are expecting Planting Hope to continue being an important source of relief to communities as work continues over the coming years

There are lots of other ways you can support the work of Trees Forever and get more information on their Facebook page.