Derecho Restoration

On August 10, a rare storm with winds over 110 mph known as a Derecho ripped through the Midwest, devastating the Cornell campus and surrounding communities.

Over 250 trees were severely damaged or destroyed. Many of our buildings sustained damage as well. Because of the extreme conditions on campus, we were forced to delay the start of the academic year by 2 weeks in order to give our facilities team time to clean up and ensure the safety of our students on the Hilltop. 

The extent and cost of the damage is extreme. We are asking you to partner with us to help restore, plant, rebuild, and bring our beautiful campus back to its incredible picturesque glory.

This is an undertaking that could potentially take years as we bring in experts to help us with our beloved trees. A gift to the Landscaping and Trees Fund supports our effort to repair the damage done by the violent winds of Iowa’s Derecho.