Tree-mendous Growth

Trees are good for Iowa communities big and small! The Iowa DNR, the U.S. Forest Service, and Trees Forever have partnered to offer Tree-mendous Growth. The purpose of this program is to advocate for increasing tree canopy in Iowa through improved community forestry management practices and increasing awareness with educational programming.

Recent events dramatically impacted the urban and community tree canopy in Iowa. A 2018 study by the U.S. Forest Service ranked Iowa tenth in the nation for urban and community tree canopy loss. Emerald ash borer and the 2020 derecho have added even more stress to the state’s tree cover.

The Iowa DNR is conducting tree canopy inventories in various communities throughout the state, along with updated management plans. To learn more about your community’s tree canopy cover, visit the Iowa DNR’s Urban Forestry website here.

In addition, Trees Forever staff are hosting workshops across the state to offer plans on increasing your community’s tree canopy. Be sure to join us to learn more about expanding your community forest.

We’ll be in your neck of the woods!
Some of our upcoming workshop towns include:

Story City
Avoca
West Branch
Kalona
Belle Plaine
Jesup

*Check back for dates and further event info*

TreeMendous Growth workshop topics include:

Benefits of trees
How to set a canopy cover goal
Improving tree ordinances
Involving community members in tree planting and care
And more