Cedar Rapids marks 5 year anniversary of derecho
August 8th, 2025 by Ric Hanson
(Radio Iowa) – Cedar Rapids marked the five-year anniversary today (Friday) of the derecho that did tremendous damage — including ripping away some two-thirds of its tree canopy. City officials planted a Bur Oak tree in Jones Park as part of the ceremony, which City ReLeaf coordinator Carole Teator says is a sign.
City Manager Jeff Pomeranz says they will continue the recovery effort.
More than 16-thousand trees have been planted on public land since the storm with the help of schools, businesses and countless volunteers. Teater says they’re ahead of schedule for their goal to plant 42-thousand-500 trees in total over ten years. The city has committed more than one million dollars to that goal.