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The average temperature this past March was nine degrees above the 20th century average for the contiguous U.S. |
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More than half of the contiguous U.S. recorded the single warmest March day on record this year. |
 Join Iowa City residents making use of pedal power and enjoy a free breakfast during Bike to Work week! Events are open to anyone on a bike, whether they commute daily or are looking to get into the habit. Bring your reusable mug for coffee and orange juice, and enjoy a variety of breakfast offerings.
- Mon., May 11, 7-9 a.m.
- 405 E. Washington St.
Breakfasts will be hosted at other locations throughout Iowa City during the week, including the Johnson County administration building and Neumann Monson; more details at bikeiowacity.com.
 Interested in a solar array for your home or business? The City of Iowa City is partnering with neighboring communities on Grow Solar East Central Iowa, a program designed to help lower installation costs.
To learn more about the basics of solar and the group buy program, as well as have the opportunity to sign up for a solar assessment for your home or business, attend the free Solar Power Hour on May 26.
- Tues., May 26, 5:30 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 1225 S. Gilbert St.
Find more information at GrowSolar.org/ECI.
 Join author Anna Zivarts for a discussion of the benefits of centering the needs of nondrivers in planning our transportation systems and our communities, an approach that can lead to healthier, more climate-friendly communities and make it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.
- Thursday, May 14, 3-4 p.m.
Register online for the free webinar.
 What safety and efficiency improvements matter most to you? How can we create a transportation system that works better for everyone? The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) invites anyone who lives, works, studies, visits, or conducts business locally to provide input on the area's Long Range Transportation Plan. This plan will guide future decisions about transportation improvements and investments across the metro area. All are invited to take the survey online by May 15.
 Celebrate City Services Saturday on May 30, a celebration of both National Public Works Week and National Police Week, from 7 a.m.-noon adjacent to the Farmers Market.
This free event will offer participants an up-close view of big trucks, a chance to meet City staff, and more fun activities!
While there, stop into City Hall to see a film about the environmental wins and current challenges facing wastewater treatment. This engaging and humorous documentary, Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong, will be shown on a loop in City Council chambers starting at 7:30 a.m.
Visitors can bring snacks to enjoy from the farmers market and come and go to see part or all of the film.
This month's reason for hope: solar and wind's moment
Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly
Access upcoming and past meeting packets at the Climate Action Commission web page.
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Iowa City has been named both a Tree City USA and a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Iowa City achieved its 46th Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
In other tree news, Root for Trees vouchers must be redeemed by May 15, so go get your tree if you have not already done so! The next cycle for Root for Trees will open August 1. Find more information at icgov.org/RootforTrees.
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 The sixth annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz reached Wylde-Weeber and Bryn Mawr Heights neighborhoods this year! On Saturday, April 25, 22 volunteers delivered Energy Saving Kits to 437 households. Volunteers also collected 140 pounds of batteries and 33 pounds of light bulbs for recycling and disposal. A big thanks to the neighbors of these west side neighborhoods, all the volunteers, and the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team who worked together on this climate action!
On May 2, Iowa City’s open-air market resumed in the Chauncey Swan parking ramp. Open from May through October, the market will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Find more information on the Farmers Market web page.
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 The seventh annual Earth Expo, held on April 11, 2026, brought together 35 organizations working locally to help our environment. Grateful appreciation goes to all: the full list of participating organizations may be found at icgov.org/greeniowa.
Everyone is invited to this free community event where residents can bring household items to be repaired by volunteers while learning repair skills, reducing waste, and supporting a more sustainable community.
- Sat., May 9, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE
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 Tom Mentz
Root for Trees Participant
 How do you take climate action?
I try to weave climate responsibility into everyday life. I like to plant trees, recycle everything I can, buy local products, and choose to bike or walk whenever possible. As a landlord, I take responsibility for the spaces I manage—picking up trash that blows into the yards and educating tenants how to recycle correctly. I make sure the homes are well‑insulated with properly functioning windows and doors. I regularly check the HVAC systems to make sure they are as efficient as possible. Small choices add up, and I always try to opt for the sustainable choice.
Why is it important to take climate action?
Because it’s simply the right thing to do. We’re part of a fragile, interconnected ecosystem, and caring for it is a responsibility we owe to future generations. Taking action now helps ensure that the world we pass on is healthier, more resilient, and still full of possibilities.
What can others do to take climate action?
There are so many meaningful ways to get involved. In the big picture by supporting political candidates who champion pro environmental policies. Advocating for sustainable transportation options, like high‑speed rail, to reduce traffic and emissions. In daily life, reduce, reuse, repurpose, donate, and recycle every way possible: such as reducing paper waste by opting out of junk mail and choosing paperless communication or donating good items instead of sending to the landfill.
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This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Climate Action and Outreach Division. For more information, contact Sarah Gardner at 319-887-6162 or Sarah-Gardner@Iowa-City.org
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