LINCOLN, Nebraska – Joined by esteemed guests including Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and representatives from the Nebraska Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PlantNebraska, and Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) celebrated Arbor Day by planting a New Horizon Elm on the west lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.

“Planting trees is an investment in Nebraska’s future—protecting natural resources, supporting our agricultural heritage, and strengthening communities,” said John Yoakum, director for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts representing the Lower Platte South NRD. “We’re proud to partner with organizations to bring lasting conservation benefits to communities across the state.”

Yoakum added that partnerships with the Nebraska Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Executive Travel play a key role in expanding NRD conservation efforts statewide.

In December 2021, Executive Travel announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant a tree for every plane ticket they sell through the ETGreen campaign. To date, more than 206,000 trees have been planted through the partnership.

The selection of the New Horizon Elm reflects the original landscape vision developed by Ernst Herminghaus, Nebraska’s first professionally trained landscape architect, who designed the Capitol grounds to complement the character of the building. For nearly 30 years, the Capitol Commission has carefully replanted trees in their designated locations, staying true to the nearly 90-year-old landscape plan. The New Horizon Elm carries that legacy forward, offering the same aesthetic qualities as the original elms while providing resistance to Dutch Elm Disease.

Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. In the past 54 years, Nebraska’s NRDs have planted more than 102 million trees.

Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. For more information on cost share availability, designing a plan or ordering trees, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdtrees.org.

Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and representatives from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, Nebraska Forest Service, Plant Nebraska, Arbor Day Foundation, and City of Lincoln celebrate Arbor Day by planting a New Horizon Elm tree on the west lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.