Petition to the Cedar Rapids City Council:
Allow Regenerative Gardening in City Parks
To: Cedar Rapids City Council
From: Residents, Gardeners, and Supporters of Sustainable Public Spaces
Date: August 5th, 2025
Subject: Request to Authorize and Support Regenerative Gardening in City Parks
We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Cedar Rapids, respectfully urge the City Council to allow and support regenerative gardening practices in designated areas within city parks.

Regenerative gardening includes:
� - Building healthy soil through composting and no-till methods
� - Increasing biodiversity using native plants and pollinator-friendly species
� - Capturing carbon through perennial planting and cover cropping
� - Restoring ecosystems with minimal chemical inputs
� - Fostering education, equity, and community connection
Why Cedar Rapids Needs This:
� - Environmental Stewardship: City parks can be models of climate resilience and biodiversity.
� - Community Engagement: Residents, youth, and volunteers can grow food and learn about sustainability.
� - Public Health: Gardens offer fresh produce and green spaces for wellness.
� - Low Cost, High Benefit: Minimal city funding yields long-term ecological gains.
� - Resilience & Recovery: Gardens mitigate flood, drought, and soil degradation.
We Request:
� - An ordinance or pilot program to allow regenerative gardening in at least one city park
� - The creation of community guidelines and partnerships for managing regenerative garden sites
� - Inclusion of local nonprofits, schools, and gardeners in planning and execution
� - A commitment to environmental justice and accessibility for all communities
Let Cedar Rapids be a leader in environmental innovation and urban resilience.
 city.