One of the perks of working at the Lower Loup NRD headquarters in Ord is being within easy walking distance of the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum. The Arboretum, which is part of the 11-acre Lower Loup NRD property on the northwest edge of Ord, is a true recreational gem. It is also an easily accessible destination where residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the outdoors in a scenic, tranquil, and safe space.

Nearly 60 species of trees and shrubs have been planted in the Arboretum. Many of them are the same varieties that the Lower Loup NRD sells each year during our tree season. A visit to the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum is a great way to get an idea of what a particular tree or shrub species looks like before buying. Visitors wondering what kind of tree they are looking at can go to LLNRD.org and open the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum Tree Inventory.

The trail loop through the Arboretum connects to the City of Ord’s trail network. It gets a lot of use. I know, because I see the walkers, joggers, and bicyclists using the trail when I am walking through the Arboretum most mornings before work. I also walk out there during my lunch hour, and sometimes I do a couple laps after work, too. In 2025 I walked 1,411 laps around the Arboretum. Considering that each lap measures .37 miles, that means that last year while walking in the Arboretum I covered just over 522 miles!

I’ve seen dozens of bird species out there – including several kinds of raptors, two rare butterfly species and lots of common ones, fox squirrels, ground squirrels, rabbits, frogs, toads, and even a beautiful red fox.

Each September, the Lower Loup NRD hosts its MUDFEST educational event in the Arboretum, and it is also the site of our Spring Birding Event in May. Ord’s annual Girls on the Run 5K run/walk event also makes use of the trail. Other community involvement has included Ord High School students and their incredible teachers helping to spruce up the Arboretum on multiple occasions. A few weeks ago I saw a young couple having their engagement photos taken on the Arboretum foot bridge!

Windbreaks border the Arboretum on the north and south ends. The south windbreak is especially thick with several rows of trees. A small wetland punctuates the east side of the Arboretum. At the northwest corner, a small shelter with a bench inside offers respite from heat, rain, or wind. Visitors will find benches every so often along the circuitous route, and a couple interesting pieces of exercise equipment that are available for use, as well.

Five interpretive signs were recently installed in the Arboretum. One of those signs informs visitors about the many benefits of windbreaks. Another sign, installed by the windmill, informs readers about Nebraska’s groundwater resources, aquifers, groundwater recharge, and the LLNRD’s statutory requirements to manage groundwater resources. A sign near the shelter explains the role of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts and shows a map of our district; and tells about our agricultural partnerships, how we track the movement of nitrogen to protect groundwater resources, and our role in providing recreational opportunities. A sign near the wetland explains the important role of these natural areas on our landscape, and a sign near the northwest entrance welcomes visitors and includes a map of the trail that includes nearby amenities. This sign also tells about some of the wildlife to be seen here, and explains other work that we do at the Lower Loup NRD.

New signs near the northwest and southeast Arboretum entrances explain the Lower Loup NRD’s partnership with the City of Ord that led to the creation of the trail in 2013. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trail, and per City of Ord regulations, pets must be leashed. Finally, a new sign near the shelter shows visitors where to park.

I hope you’ll come to check out the Arboretum and all it has to offer. One leisurely lap takes me about 7 minutes to complete if I don’t stop to look at flowers or chat with a fellow trail user. And you can always make the complete circuit to or from Auble’s Pond and back. Maybe I will see you out there.