The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) hosted a statewide event for forestry professionals September 8 and 9 in York. The event drew more than 20 individuals representing Nebraska’s NRDs and other state agencies to talk about challenges from tree diseases to public education.

Every year Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts plant nearly a million trees across the state. Many of these trees are installed as windbreaks around crop fields, livestock barns, and homes. These windbreaks have many benefits, from increasing livestock survival rates and feed efficiency, to reducing field erosion and filtering pollutants, to reducing heating and cooling costs for homes.

The tree workshop featured speakers from the Nebraska Forest Service and United States Forestry Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Nebraska Invasive Species Council. There was also time for roundtable discussion on issues facing tree planting in the state and the vital importance of continuing this work.

The second day of the event included a tour with stops in York and Geneva to examine trees and plantings. Attendees examined an established windbreak in need of renovation due to the loss of some trees from illness and age, as well as a recent planting around on an acreage around a new home. The final stop was to the campus of the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Geneva to see a white ash that is listed on the Nebraska Champion Tree Register. When it was officially measured and recorded in 2006, the tree was 14 feet in circumference and 68 feet tall.

“We were pleased to be able to host this important event at the Upper Big Blue NRD,” said District Forester Kyle Yrkoski, who was one of the organizers. “Planting trees is beneficial in so many ways. We, as foresters, want to learn all we can to make sure that trees are getting in the ground, getting well established, and having long and healthy lives. Events like this one are a great way to learn about the latest threats to our canopy and share ideas to increase tree success in Nebraska.”

Those that are attending Husker Harvest Days September 14-16 should make plans to stop by the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts booth to pick up free tree seedlings for fall planting. NRDs typically take tree orders from November 1 to March 30 for their Conservation Tree Program, which provides low-cost bulk trees. Full details on tree species and how to order at https://www.nrdnet.org/tree-program.

Forestry professionals from across the state pose with a record setting tree in Geneva.