One Child One Tree Program Launches on Arbor Day

New Roots: “One Child, One Tree – Growing Together” Program Launches in Cedar Rapids and Marion This Arbor Day

MARION, IA – April 23, 2025 – This Arbor Day, April 25, marks the launch of One Child, One Tree – Growing Together, a new initiative aimed at connecting families with nature while helping restore Linn County’s native tree canopy. The program is open to all residents of Linn County, including those in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Developed in partnership with Hy-Vee, ImOn Communications, and Monarch Research, the program provides a free native tree for each child in participating families. It launches April 25, with orders accepted through September 10. Trees will be available for pickup in October. Orders placed after September 10 will be fulfilled in 2026. Parents and grandparents can pick up certificates at participating Hy-Vee and Drug Town locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion to order trees online. Certificates are also available at the ImOn office in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Tree pickup will occur in October 2025 at the Monarch Research Event Center, 4970 Lakeside Road, Marion.

This effort is part of the broader Planting Forward initiative, which aims to significantly increase native tree populations in Linn County over the next five years. One Child, One Tree supports this goal year-round by encouraging youth involvement and family participation. In 2025 alone, the campaign plans to add at least 22,000 native trees—potentially more, depending on demand. Twenty-five native species are available through an online ordering system on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hy-Vee is playing a central role in the program’s launch and community outreach. “At Hy-Vee, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our communities, and that includes fostering a healthy environment for future generations,” said Kyle Odem, District Store Director in Marion. “The One Child, One Tree program is a wonderful opportunity to connect families with nature and contribute to a greener Cedar Rapids and Marion. We are proud to partner with ImOn and Monarch Research on this vital initiative.”

ImOn Communications is supporting the program by spreading awareness through cable and social media channels. “At ImOn, we believe strong connections build strong communities. One Child, One Tree is a beautiful way to connect families with nature and inspire the next generation to care for our environment. We’re proud to support this program and help plant the roots of a greener future – one child, one tree at a time,” said Patrice Carroll, CEO of ImOn Communications.

Monarch Research, which is overseeing the program’s design, logistics, and tree provision, emphasizes that this is more than just a tree giveaway. “The One Child, One Tree program is about more than just planting trees—it’s about education, engagement, and building a legacy of environmental stewardship at every age,” said Clark McLeod, Founder of Monarch Research. “We’re thrilled to share our knowledge of native trees and natural restoration through this collaborative effort, and we look forward to the lasting impact it will have in our communities. We thank our incredible partners, Hy-Vee and ImOn for helping us bring this vision to life.”

The One Child, One Tree program not only strengthens local green infrastructure but also helps inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—one child, one tree at a time.

About Monarch Research

Monarch Research was founded on the belief that addressing global environmental challenges requires local action. Through education, community engagement, and habitat restoration, the organization supports pollinators, promotes biodiversity, and inspires stewardship. Key initiatives include One Child, One Tree, Monarch Zones, Planting Forward, Woodlands Native Tree Marketplace, and the Mighty Acorn Society.

Learn more at www.monarchresearch.org