IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - Many people around Eastern Iowa celebrated Earth Day Monday, whether that be cleaning up parks or simply taking time to learn more about what people can do to help the environment. Between the derecho destroying millions of trees in 2020 and the emerald ash borer beetle taking out even more, arborists have emphasized the importance of not only taking care of the trees that survived but also working to restore what we’ve lost. And that’s what the University of Iowa arborist works on every day.

An updated proposal to renovate the home of the University of Iowa baseball team is on the docket for consideration and final approval by the Iowa Board of Regents. The proposed renovation to Duane Banks Field includes a standalone clubhouse adjacent to the existing Hawkeye dugout. The 2,365-square-foot clubhouse would be constructed along the first base side of the stadium and extend down the right field line. The renovation is budgeted at $5.5 million and is expected to be completed in spring 2025. In addition to the clubhouse, new lights and turf will be installed this summer. The project would be funded by athletic department gifts and revenue.

Just in time for Earth Month, the University of Iowa was once again designated a 2022 Tree Campus USA award by the Tree Campus Higher Education Program. The award was presented to the Facilities Management Landscape Services tree crew by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources during the annual Community Forestry Awards luncheon on April 12.