On August 10, 2020, a straight-line storm known as a derecho swept across central and eastern Iowa and western Illinois, causing incredible damage to buildings and trees. Cedar Rapids is estimated to have lost over 65% of the urban tree canopy to the storm. Confluence, with planner Jeff Speck, was hired by Trees Forever, Inc. to create a comprehensive plan to replant and grow the urban tree canopy lost to the derecho. The planning process is ongoing and will utilize significant public input to prioritise replanting based on several criteria, with equity being a primary driver. Confluence is using GIS and tree inventory data to assess the extent of loss by tree size and species, and will provide guidance and replanting recommendations to ensure the future canopy is healthy and diverse.
The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan was designed so that tree plantings address climate concerns, preserve neighborhood character, and balance equity across neighborhoods. The plan includes information on yard planting and tree recommendations for residents. The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Plan also includes planting more than 42,000 trees along Cedar Rapids streets and in city parks. It includes detailed designs for 38 parks and a prioritization plan for planting all parks.
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Landscape Architect: Confluence
Client: Trees Forever, Inc.
Collaborators: Jeff Speck
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