Cedar Rapids-based ITC Midwest has awarded $200,000 to ReLeaf Cedar Rapids to support tree replanting in Cedar Rapids following the August 2020 derecho. Led by Trees Forever, ReLeaf Cedar Rapids is a comprehensive initiative to replant and grow the tree canopy lost in the catastrophic storm.
“As home to our downtown headquarters and many of our employees, and the largest city in our electric transmission service area, we know firsthand the devastation Cedar Rapids sustained during the derecho,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry, in a statement. “ITC Midwest’s commitment to the communities we serve extends beyond power restoration. Trees are essential for our environment, our community, and our quality of life.”
The organizations involved in ReLeaf are working to develop and implement a long-term effort that will address the urgency to reforest public spaces and provide outreach for tree planting on public and private property in Cedar Rapids. In addition, ITC Midwest will be supporting other tree-replanting initiatives in communities throughout the derecho storm zone into the future.
“ITC Midwest is a longtime, recognized leader in our community and is once again stepping forward with a generous investment to benefit current and future generations,” said Kiley Miller, Trees Forever CEO, in a statement.