In the past, when Earth Day came around, our team took time to discuss our collective efforts to minimize our environmental impact, but this year things are a little different. On August 10th, 2020, a derecho storm tore through Iowa, destroying millions of acres of crops, hundreds of homes, and thousands of trees. Everyone was devastated when they saw the aftermath of the storm, especially our Cedar Rapids and Marion employees who work and live around our Cedar Rapids headquarters and Marion data center. The environment at and around their homes was demolished.
Months later, knowing it would take years to rebuild our tree line, we wanted to do something about it. That’s why we joined Monarch Research’s Planting Forward initiative. On Monday, April 12th, our Cedar Rapids and Marion team members received various species of native Iowa trees to replant Iowa. The city of Cedar Rapids lost 65% of its tree canopy and, with the help from the Monarch Research Group, we are able to bring life back to our communities.
Today, we are continuing to focus on our city’s environment. Employees from HQ are volunteering through our Involta Cares initiative to clean up the community. They are spending half of their work day cleaning up Jacolyn Park in Cedar Rapids. It was one of the worst hit parks from the derecho. Their tasks include raking, picking up sticks, and picking up trash. Not only is our team happy to clean our environment, they are thrilled to do it on Earth Day. What an excellent way to celebrate our planet on its special day!
Our Duluth, Minnesota team is helping our planet next month with Duluth’s Clean Yer Creek event. It’s an annual, community volunteer event, dedicated to the removal of garbage, debris, and illegally dumped trash that makes its way into the Duluth watershed and, eventually, flows into Lake Superior. They will be gathering as much trash as possible from the Keene and Chester creeks.
Keeping our Earth clean and healthy is more important than ever. If your work doesn’t have a volunteer policy, there are many things you can do at home to save the Earth. Read our previous Earth Day blog for a list of ideas.
If you want to take part in a Cedar Rapids park clean-up, contact the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
If you want to join this year’s Clean Yer Creek, register here.
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