Our Woodland Legacy
We lose acres and acres of forests annually to development, road building and disease. Linn County visionaries Jacque and Denny Holloway worked with Trees Forever to develop a partnership program to build awareness of the value of our natural world, rather than focus on the helpless feeling of continued loss of woodlands. Our Woodland Legacy has been effective by engaging local policy makers in public forums, doing local research on the environmental benefits of trees and natural areas and by convening a coalition of dedicated organizations and individuals to focus efforts on outreach and education.
From repairing flood-damage to trees, to planting a grove of oaks, to restoring the natural Iowa prairie setting, to simply providing technical assistance and answering tree and ecosystem-related questions, Our Woodland Legacy seeks to connect people with the natural world around them every day.
Who is eligible to participate?
Our Woodland Legacy is a pilot effort in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Corridor in the East Central Iowa area. The research on the benefits of trees and natural areas along with the types of efforts we undertake to engage policy makers, community leaders and citizens may be helpful to any community or group engaged in preserving and protecting their natural heritage.
Our Woodland Legacy has goals in three major areas:
Smart Growth and Sustainability
-
Local research and education showcasing energy savings, storm water offsets, air quality and the economic benefits of trees and natural areas
-
Local research and education on low impact development
Networking and Public Policy
Education and Outreach
What assistance or services are provided through this program?
Publications, educational programs and many volunteer opportunities like helping to collect data for research on the benefits of trees.
In general, Trees Forever field coordinators provide technical and planning assistance, including species selection, review of a site plan, planting and care of trees shrubs and herbaceous plants, planting for energy efficiency, volunteer coordination, working with the media, and fundraising.
We seek to be a resource to public officials and developers, with the goal of collaborating on a sustainable future through educational programs, demonstrations, etc.
Our Woodland Legacy is an ongoing program and does not have grant funds available.
Sponsors: Holloway Family Environmental Trust and Jacque and Denny Holloway
Local Research Funded by Our Woodland Legacy and the Holloway Family Environmental Trust in partnership with Coe College and the USDA Forest Service. Additional support provided by Marilyn Magid.
Annual Street Tree Benefits for Cedar Rapids
| Benefits from Shaded Trees |
Average
$/Tree |
Average
$/resident |
Citywide
Total $ |
| Stormwater reduction savings |
$51 |
$15 |
$1.8 million |
| Property value increase |
$34 |
$10 |
$1.3 million |
| Energy (electricity & natural gas) savings |
$42 |
$12.50 |
$1.5 million |
| Air quality improvement |
$7 |
$2 |
$250,000 |
| Carbon Dioxide reduction |
$6 |
$1.50 |
$200,000 |
| Total |
$140 |
$41 |
$5 million |
