🌳 Rotary Speaker Spotlight Recap: Enzo Nagao from Trees Forever – June 17th 🌳
At our June 17th meeting, the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club had the pleasure of hosting Enzo Nagao from Trees Forever as our featured speaker. Held at the Indian Creek Country Club, the session offered an inspiring look into the power of community-driven environmental stewardship.
Enzo, a 2020 graduate of Coe College with degrees in English and Music, shared his journey from Naperville, Illinois, to becoming a passionate advocate for urban forestry. His career path took root during a year with the Naperville Department of Public Works, eventually leading him to Trees Forever in 2021.
He began by leading the Growing Futures program in Cedar Rapids, engaging local youth in tree planting and environmental education. Later, as ReLeaf Volunteer Coordinator, Enzo managed impactful community projects throughout the metro area. Now part of the Development Team, he focuses on expanding volunteer engagement and securing funding across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He’s also pursuing a Grant Writing Certificate through Spark the Fire Grant Writing.
Beyond his environmental work, Enzo is a creative writer with a love for science fiction and fantasy, blending storytelling with his commitment to community and nature.
About Trees Forever
Founded in 1989 and based in Marion, Trees Forever is a nonprofit dedicated to planting and caring for trees and the environment. With over 3 million trees and shrubs planted across Iowa and Illinois, the organization continues to lead in urban forestry, native habitat restoration, and youth education.
We thank Enzo for his engaging presentation and for the vital work he and Trees Forever do to grow greener, stronger communities.