By Nebraska Forest Service
The Nebraska Forest Service, the Nebraska Community Forestry Council, and the Arbor Day Foundation proudly support and celebrate communities throughout the state demonstrating a strong commitment to urban and community forestry by participating in the Tree City USA program. This program recognizes communities, educational institutions, and electric utility companies that value the importance of trees in our cities and share these values with their partners and the general public.
“Community Forests are planted in Nebraska towns for the health, economic, and ecological benefits they provide, so it’s important to celebrate communities that embrace these benefits and encourage others to do the same” said Graham Herbst, Community Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service. "These communities are showing that trees matter, and that investing in community forests leads to healthier, more vibrant places to live."
Each year, Tree City USA recognition is granted to Nebraska communities that meet the core standards of effective community forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and holding an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. In 2024, 95 Tree City USA communities spent $17,666,479 on community forestry and provided 10,908 hours of volunteer time. 6,811 public trees were planted, 15,996 public trees were pruned, and 6,765 public trees were removed. Communities receiving Tree City USA recognition and the number of years in the Tree City USA program include:
Alliance (33), Alma (3) ,Arapahoe (29), Arnold (11), Ashland (25), Atkinson (25), Auburn (49), Bassett (25), Bayard (32), Beatrice (38), Beaver City (28), Bellevue (14), Bennington (36), Blair (42), Boys Town (39), Bridgeport (5), Central City (29), Ceresco (2), Chadron (35), Chappell (34), Cozad (28) ,Crete (34), Curtis (36), Dakota City (5), Dodge (22), Doniphan (31), Eustis (2), Fairbury (37), Falls City (33), Farnam (7), Fremont (45), Fullerton (11), Gering (35), Gordon (4), Gothenburg (37), Grand Island (39), Grant (29), Gretna (38), Hartington (34), Hastings (35), Hershey (12), Holdrege (32), Humboldt (37), Imperial (40), Johnstown (5), Julian (18), Kearney (39), Kimball (34), Laurel (22), Lavista (34), Lexington (28), Lincoln (48), McCook (40), Minden (34), Mitchell (22), Morrill (26), Nebraska City (48), Neligh (38), Newman Grove (12), Norfolk (15), North Platte (42), Ogallala (41), Omaha (47), O'Neill (40), Ord (28), Papillion (36), Plainview (30), Potter (32), Ralston (39), Red Cloud (30), Rushville (28), Schuyler (37), Scottsbluff (37), Scribner (18), Seward (43), Shelton (16), Sidney (39), South Sioux City (33), Stella (32), Sterling (9), Stromsburg (44), Superior (1), Sutherland (29), Sutton (35), Trenton (40), Valley (29), Waco (32), Wahoo (17), Wallace (25), Waterloo (18), Wausa (29), Waverly (25), Wayne (34), Wisner (30), York (35)
Growth Awards are presented to communities that have shown exceptional advancement in their dedication to community forest enhancement. Communities receiving 2024 Growth Awards and the number of years receiving a Growth Award:
Alliance (6) , Arapahoe (3), Auburn (14), Beaver City (4), Bellevue (8), Chadron (7), Cozad (3), Crete (2), Curtis (2), Eustis (1), Farnam (2), Gering (29), Gordon (3), Gothenburg (5), Grant (5), Gretna (28), Hershey (8), Julian (1), Laurel (3), Lexington (3), McCook (6), Minden (11), Mitchell (3), Morrill (5), North Platte (15), Ogallala (8), Rushville (1), Scottsbluff (8), Sidney (6), South Sioux City (18), Trenton (5), Wallace (3)
In addition, Tree Campus Higher Education recognizes colleges meeting five tree care standards, and Tree Line USA recognizes best practices in utility arboriculture. 2024 awardees:
University Of Nebraska Medical Center (12), University of Nebraska at Omaha (16), Hastings College (10), University of Nebraska—Lincoln (17), Creighton University (16), University of Nebraska at Kearney (2), Nebraska Wesleyan University (17) Nebraska City Utilities (21), Nebraska Public Power District (19), Omaha Public Power District (23)
Much of community tree work is made possible by dedicated local volunteers, municipal staff, and tree boards who give their time and talents to improving our community forests. “Trees are essential infrastructure in Nebraska communities, “said John Erixson, Nebraska State Forester.
“They provide shade and protection, increase property values, and improve public health. The Tree City USA Programs are a wonderful way to acknowledge the leadership and passion behind these efforts across Nebraska.”
This year’s recognition ceremony will take place in Kearney, Nebraska, at the Harmon Park Community Center on August 21st , beginning at 10 a.m. CST. The day will include the awards
ceremony, information and program updates from the Nebraska Forest Service, and a keynote presentation. Registration at nfs.unl.edu/workshops
NFS hopes to see even more towns—especially new and returning participants—step forward to showcase their commitment to trees. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for Tree City, contact Graham Herbst at [email protected]