Big Grove Brewery and Trees Forever team up for 'Good Grove' beer release, tree planting

Big Grove Brewery and the nonprofit Trees Forever are teaming up to plant good vibes in Iowa.

The craft brewery has released a new beer called Good Grove, a fruited lager. It is expected to be available in all Big Grove taprooms in Iowa City, Solon, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines until September.

The proceeds from every beer sold will be used to plant more than 400 trees across the state in the next four years to help restore tree canopies.

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A blossoming relationship

The partnership began last year when Big Grove planted 87 trees. Eighty-three more have already been planted in the communities of Big Grove locations this year like Cedar Rapids, Des Moines , and Solon , and a scheduled planting is slated in the fall in Iowa City.

Trees Forever was founded in 1989 in Marion and is helping Big Grove ensure the newly planted trees survive. They will enlist innovative enhancements like tree diapers, which slowly release water to help the trees grow.

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Replenishing Cedar Rapids' tree canopy

Both Big Grove and Trees believe in the importance of the 'Good Grove' environmental efforts, especially in Cedar Rapids, where 65% of the tree canopy was destroyed in the 2020 derecho.

"Cedar Rapids is a city built on community. Anyone passing through can see how its people support one another and take pride in their city," said Hannah Coyle, Cedar Rapids Event Manager at Big Grove Brewery in a news release. "We are committed to being active participants in this community, working every day to make it a better place for everyone to live, work, and play. Our city has faced many challenges, from floods to derechos, but these initiatives offer a way to restore and rebuild the beautiful landscape we all cherish."

Encouraging a love of nature

While the project is about restoring the tree canopy, it is also about creating green spaces that foster community across the state of Iowa.

"Our partnership isn't just about planting trees. It's about planting them in places that promote community and outdoor activity. It's about planting the right tree in the right place and providing the right care so they can thrive in challenging urban environments," said Nick McGrath, Trees Forever East Central Iowa Field Coordinator in a news release. "Together, Big Grove and Trees Forever are building stronger, more active, and more engaged communities—one tree at a time."

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Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Big Grove Brewery and Trees Forever team up for 'Good Grove' beer release, tree planting