Monarch Research Group gifts additional trees to Mercy employees

Trees to replenish yards affected by the derecho

On Friday, Oct. 15, Mercy employees were able to take home free trees to replenish their derecho-damaged yards, thanks to another generous donation from the Monarch Research Group (a Marion non-profit organization) and the Planting Forward program.

The Monarch Research Group (MRG) created the Planting Forward program with the aim of replanting derecho-affected areas across the community with high-quality, native tree species, while educating residents on proper tree care and the value that native trees add to the environment, pollinators and people.

Last spring, Mercy was the recipient of 1,000 free, mixed species trees. This time, Mercy was able to give away 1,100 trees to 400 employees, who were able to request up to three trees. Each tree is three to five feet tall.

Mercy officials said they were very appreciative of the tree donation because so many Mercy staff members – who, of course, have been working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic – were affected by the August 2020 derecho.

MRG is partnering with multiple organizations in the community and has provided nearly 30,000 native trees that will help restore derecho-affected yards. Mercy is grateful for the generous donation and MRG’s efforts to restore the beauty of our community.

According to Cedar Rapids city officials, the August 2020 storm that brought more than 100-mile-per-hour, straight-line winds destroyed nearly 70 percent of the city’s tree canopy.