Cedar View benefits from grant of 10 free trees
LAUREL — Thanks to the Ten Free Trees program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Laurel Tree Board received 10 trees for the Cedar View Golf Course project.
Chad Johnson, Head Greens Keeper has removed 20-plus trees these past few years due to old age, danger from falling branches and a few from disease. In addition, the extreme drought of 2022 is causing additional stress on trees of all ages and species. These 10 trees will help to repopulate the lost trees and fill in areas that will see trees removed in the future. Plans are being made to remove additional trees that have died this summer. Cedar View Country Club has several different varieties of trees including deciduous, evergreens and flowering trees that add to the beauty of the city and enjoyment from its citizens and visitors to the golf course. These trees will help the City keep green areas well into the future.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Laurel Tree Board hosted a coffee at the Laurel Vets Club to celebrate the 10 Free Tree’s award, and to share information on the program and other community-tree issues. Anna Keenan, Associate Community Forester with UNL presented information to those who attended on the 10 Free Tree’s program, and also on the Emerald Ash Borer.
Despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline. Many challenges contribute, including extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.
In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.
In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.
Ten Free Trees is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant received by the Nebraska Forest Service.
