Thanks to the Ten Free Trees program, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the City of Wahoo received 10 trees for the Wahoo Cemeteries Re-Tree project. The Wahoo Cemeteries have been and will continue to be part of the Wahoo community since as early as the 1870s. Over the years trees have provided ambiance, shelter, and beauty for our cemeteries, but there have all been trees impacted by disease, age, and storms. The Ten Free Trees program is a great opportunity for the City of Wahoo to add to the canopy at our Wahoo cemeteries with diverse species of trees. Wahoo Scout Troop 140 was a great partner and helped us plant the trees shortly after their arrival. We thank them for their assistance!
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 Ten Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees per project 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 significant 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, the USDA Forest Service’s Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act funding received by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, and the USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration funding received by the Nebraska Forest Service.
The Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum are great resources for learning about trees, the value of replacement of our trees, what species to select, how to plant, how to water, etc. Please check out these resources they provided to the City - we hope they help you as well!
Why Trees Are Important to Communities
Why We Love Trees
Tree Planting Guidelines
Watering Guidelines for Newly Planted Trees
