Landowners in Linn County took the next step of replanting trees destroyed by the 2020 derecho

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Landowners in Linn County who own large amounts of land took the next step of replanting trees that were destroyed by the 2020 Derecho this weekend.

Residents of homes and businesses with three acres or more of property purchased a minimum of 25 trees from the Monarch Research Planting Forward Woodland Program. Over the course of two days on Saturday, April 9th, and Sunday, April 10th, the program will distribute around 14 thousand trees, as well as transport some of the trees. All of the trees are native to the state of Iowa, which organizers say is significant to them.

“With the need to help replace the right tree in the right place, especially being the right tree, native trees are going to help take care of and feed our pollinators.” Operations Manager Mike Martin said.

Approximately 7 million trees were destroyed throughout the state, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Martin said they are working on putting together another order for people to pick up in the fall.