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In its six years of existence, the Root for Trees program has added over 1,700 trees to properties throughout Iowa City. |
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In a recent survey of Root for Trees participants, respondents reported that 92% of trees planted are still alive. |
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277 households have been repeat Root for Trees participants. |
 Through the Root for Trees program, Iowa City residents and businesses receive 50% off the cost of the retail purchase price of one tree, up to $125 (a $250 tree). Vouchers for an additional discount off retail price are available for income-eligible households, up to $225 (a $250 tree).
To qualify, eligible trees must have a mature height minimum of eight feet and cannot be a species of maple or pear tree.
The program opens August 15, 2026, and runs to May 2027, while funding and supplies last.
Iowa City's Root for Trees program was featured in a recent issue of Parks and Rec Magazine! Read the article at this link.
 Grow Solar East Central Iowa, a regional effort that leverages bulk purchasing to make solar more affordable for area residents, has successfully reached its first benchmark goal, with 104 kW enrolled in the program so far.
Thanks to its participants, the program’s pricing has now lowered below its already lower-than-market rate. Final pricing for all participants will continue to drop as more participants sign up and the program reaches the next benchmarks of 150 kW and 250 kW.
With current net metering rates set to expire in 2027, households that go solar this year have the opportunity to lock in lower energy bills ahead of renegotiated rates.
Want to learn more? An upcoming event will offer information on residential solar installation and the Grow Solar group buy program.
- In-Person Solar Power Hour: Thurs., July 23, 5:30 p.m. at Hills Community Center
Register for the Power Hour, get signed up for a free site assessment, and/or find more information at growsolar.org/eci.
 Iowa City residents teamed up to fight excessive waste on multiple fronts this summer!
At the Donation Drive-Thru event held July 19, over 12,900 pounds of reusable or recyclable materials were diverted from the landfill.
Throughout last month, Iowa City residents participated in Plastic Waste Reduction in July and helped track how small actions can create a large collective impact.
Coming up: the Repair Cafe returns on Sat., August 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Side Recycling Center. This event provides an opportunity for anyone to bring in a broken item for repair with assistance from event volunteers.
And the Art and Crafts Supply Pop-up Events return for a second year at East Side Recycling Center. Johnson County community members can donate quality, new, or gently used items on August 19 and 20 from 2 to 6 p.m., or pick up items at no cost on August 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. and August 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These efforts help reduce the need to buy new materials!
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