Big Grove Brewery and Marion nonprofit Trees Forever have continued their partnership to launch a new fruited lager, dubbed “Good Grove.”
A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of Good Grove will be allocated to tree-planting initiatives throughout Iowa, according to a press release from Big Grove. The collaboration aims to plant over 400 trees within the next four years, focusing on restoring tree canopies and enhancing biodiversity in local communities.
Newly planted trees play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and managing stormwater runoff, as stated in the release. To ensure the collaboration’s success, Big Grove is working with Trees Forever to implement innovative solutions like “tree diapers,” which are an alternative to traditional tree bags that gradually release water and help prevent weeds.
As noted in the release, the importance of these arboreal efforts is particularly evident in Cedar Rapids, where the 2020 derecho caused the loss of 65% of the city’s tree canopy. Restoring this canopy is beneficial not only for the city’s aesthetics but also for rebuilding a resilient environment.
“Cedar Rapids is a city built on community. Anyone passing through can see how its people support one another and take pride in their city,” said Cedar Rapids Event Manager Hannah Coyle in the release. “We are committed to being active participants in this community, working every day to make it a better place for everyone to live, work, and play. Our city has faced many challenges, from floods to derechos, but these initiatives offer a way to restore and rebuild the beautiful landscape we all cherish.”
The partnership between Big Grove and Trees Forever initially began in 2023, and led to the planting of 87 trees across Iowa. An additional 83 trees have already been planted this year in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Solon, with another scheduled planting in Iowa City this fall.
“Our partnership isn’t just about planting trees,” said Nick McGrath, Trees Forever East Central Iowa Field Coordinator, in the release. “It’s about planting them in places that promote community and outdoor activity. It’s about planting the right tree in the right place and providing the right care so they can thrive in challenging urban environments. And it’s about enhancing the resilience of our tree canopy through species diversity. Together, Big Grove and Trees Forever are building stronger, more active, and more engaged communities — one tree at a time”
The organizations plan to expand the tree-planting project to Nebraska in 2025.
