The tree program at the Upper Big Blue NRD is getting a boost this year through collaboration with the Nebraska Forest Service  (NFS).

Moving forward, the NFS will provide a district forester to the NRD through a shared service agreement. The forester will be an employee of the state agency, but would be located in the district. This individual would continue the NRD’s successful tree program while remaining connected to statewide resources and training.

Each year, the district sells more than 20,000 tree seedlings for conservation planting in the district. Most of these trees are planted by individuals, though the NRD provides planting services on large orders such as farmstead windbreaks or habitat improvement projects. The NRD offers low-cost bulk seedlings, as well as cost-share funding for qualifying projects, making tree planting a very economical conservation activity.

Trees may be ordered from November 1 to March 31 on the NRD’s website. Orders arrive in mid-April, in time for spring planting.

Are you interested in planning a planting project for next spring? You can request a visit from the district forester by contacting the NRD at (402) 362-6601 or trees@upperbigblue.org. 

There are hundreds of documented benefits to surrounding yourself, your business, or your community with trees. From physical and mental wellbeing to economic stimulus and crime reduction, planting trees on your property is a simple way to make a big impact. That’s why the NRD is once again offering its popular Conservation Tree Program this year. The program provides residents of the district with the opportunity to buy bulk seedlings at a low cost for spring planting.

Ordering for the spring 2025 planting season begins November 1. Orders will be taken online as well as in the office. Paper order forms can also be printed at home or picked up at the NRD office (319 E 25th St, York).

Last year, the Upper Big Blue NRD provided 25,979 trees to be planted in the district. Close to 5,000 of these were machine planted by NRD staff. Machine planting is available for orders of 150 trees or more and is the ideal way to install a windbreak or other large-scale planting. For these larger orders, NRD staff will provide free consultation services to the property owner to plan where trees will be planted and which varieties to install for best results and to achieve specific goals. 

The Conservation Tree Program will collect orders until March 31 and trees will be delivered in April. Each year, some tree species sell out, so those that want a particular type of tree are encouraged to order early (by February 1). 

The Upper Big Blue is offering many tree varieties this year, including shrubs such as lilac and American plum; fruit and nut trees such as Northern Pecan; popular conifer varieties including Colorado Blue Spruce and Ponderosa pine; and deciduous trees including native cottonwood as well as a seedless hybrid cottonwood. The seedlings are $1.18 each and must be ordered in sets of 25.

The Upper Big Blue NRD also offers small acreage tree packages containing 50 trees for $65. The packages will include ten trees each of five species—a great option for those that want an easy way to add diversity.

While there are benefits for everyone to planting more trees, there are extra advantages for ag producers. For those raising livestock, a shelterbelt of trees can increase calf survival by 12 percent, minimize winter stress on the herd by providing a windbreak, and can increase feed efficiency. For those with row crops, a shelterbelt is even more useful, as trees keep costs down by conserving plant moisture and by reducing wind damage and abrasion of plants.

A shelterbelt near a farmstead can be particularly beneficial in Nebraska, as trees protect the home from noise, dust, and snow drifts, as well as cut down on heating and cooling costs.

Those who enjoy hunting and fishing also benefit from additional trees on their property, as more trees means more wildlife. Trees provide habitat and food sources for many animals, as well as shelter from bad weather and cover from predators. Trees planted along waterways means cleaner, more habitable water for fish, as the trees filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and stabilize streambanks.

Those that are considering tree purchase for a school, church, business, or community should note that an increase in trees has been linked to reduced air and water pollution, lower air temperatures, decreased crime, lower stress levels for residents, and increased economic development. For individual property owners there are economic gains to planting trees, as well. As was already mentioned, trees near a home or office building decrease heating and cooling costs. They add beauty and increase property values, as well.