Date:

September 11, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Steve Schwab, City Forester, 441-7036

The public is invited to learn more about planting trees at the “Big Trees for Lincoln”event Saturday, September 20. The event is sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with ReTree Nebraska Week, September 21 through 27. ReTree Nebraska is a 10-year initiative to plant one million trees by the year 2017.

“Big Trees for Lincoln” will take place in two parts:

• At 9:30 a.m., a program on tree selection, planting techniques and care is scheduled at Bethany Park, 65th and Vine streets. Presenters include Lincoln City Forester Steve Schwab; UNL Professor Kim Todd; Community Forestry Program Leader Eric Berg from the Nebraska Forest Service; and Finke Gardens’ Tree and Shrub Manager Ryan Luckey.
• At 10:30 a.m., “Bigger is Better” will be presented by Todd at Finke Gardens, 500 N. 66th St.

“Many people don’t realize that autumn is an ideal time to plant trees in Nebraska,” said Schwab. “Newly planted trees aren’t as stressed due to the cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. Planting new trees in the fall gives them the opportunity to establish themselves before winter arrives.”

Schwab also encourages citizens to participate in ReTree Nebraska Week by planting a tree during the “Hour of Planting” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 23. Those who plant trees during the hour are asked to report it to ReTree Nebraska by e-mail at retreenebraska@unl.edu. More information is available at www.retreenebraska.unl.edu.

The large, deciduous trees recommended by ReTree Nebraska include the Kentucky Coffeetree, Northern Catalpa, Baldcypress, Bur Oak, Chinkapin Oak and many insect-resistant elm hybrids.

“Finke Gardens is pleased to donate the trees for planting in Bethany Park,” said Luann Finke, Landscape Designer for Finke Gardens. “We believe that large shade trees are critical in making our neighborhoods both energy-saving and more inviting.”

More information on the City’s Community Forestry and Horticulture program is available at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: trees).