10,000 Trees Initiative

 We are partnering with the City of Iowa City, Trees Forever, Backyard Abundance, and other local nonprofit organizations with the goal of planting 10,000 new trees in our community.  It is estimated that our community has lost over 25% of our local tree canopy in the recent derecho event, so planting new trees is now even more important than ever.  We will promote and facilitate the planting of shade trees as well as food-producing fruit and nut trees, on private and public property, with special emphasis on increasing the tree canopy in neighborhoods in lower socio-economic areas.  Trees will be provided at discounted prices or at no cost in some cases, and assistance will be available for planting trees.  Information will also be provided on how to properly maintain newly planted trees, and education given  regarding the many benefits of planting more trees in our community and increasing the tree canopy.  The City forester and other experts will provide assistance in determining appropriate locations for various species of trees.

Chances are you have at some point in the last month stopped to admire a beautiful tree; perhaps you took a drive to admire the fall colors dotting the landscape, or you’ve collected leaves with your children or grandchildren to find just the right color for an art project, or have watched as the cardinals and swallows and squirrels and owls live and play and hunt among the trees in your backyard. Or maybe you are looking forward to the season of stringing lights on a beloved evergreen in your yard.  Think about how much trees increase the quality of our lives and the livability of our communities.

 Project GREEN has always made trees the focus of our passion and our efforts. Our 501c3 all-volunteer organization was established in 1968, and since that time we have planted thousands of trees.  It is now more critical than ever.  We hope to inspire residents of Iowa City, Johnson County, and beyond to plant many more trees.

The City of Iowa City recently outlined several actions to support its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Planting trees remains one of the most important actions we can take to help soak up carbon dioxide, release oxygen, provide shade to our homes and streets, and provide critical habitat to our native birds, animals and insects. Our Project GREEN board members have been meeting with City officials for the past several months to see what we can take on moving forward into 2020.  How much we can do will be determined by financial support from our donors.

 Please join Project GREEN in our endeavor to not only plant more trees on private and public grounds, but to inspire other private groups – such as schools, churches, landlords, and retailers – to bring more trees into our community. We are hoping to reach $40,000 in grants and donations to Project GREEN throughout 2020 and 2021 to help us fund this important initiative. 

Help us be part of the solution for a cleaner and more healthy environment in Iowa City and Johnson County!