Arboretum News

PATH PAVING

The arboretum pathway paving, which started in 1999, is continuing on schedule.  Nearly 4,000 feet (or about 60%) of the path is now concrete with another section scheduled for October, 2002.  The four foot wide sidewalk makes the trail handicapped accessible for all visitors including residents of Pierce Manor.  A sidewalk extension provides accessibility right up to the door of the Manor.

The project was made possible through the generosity of several local and area individuals and business.  First of all, a $1,000 grant was received from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's Affiliate Excellence Program to get the project off the ground.  Then, generous donations of labor were extended from local contractors Ken Hofmann and Mike Wichman.  Finally, a reduced price on Concrete from Gerhold Concrete and a donation of one ten yard load from Hartland Concrete have greatly helped to put the paving project at its present status.

A huge "thank-you" goes out to all involved in making this paving a reality.

MEMORIAL UPDATE

We will be adding some new trees and possibly a new garden this spring and we hope to get memorial pledges from our "waiting list" to cover the cost.  Since the start of the arboretum project in 1993, we have had 175 trees, 8 garden plots, the entrance structure and one bench purchased as memorials.  The total donated amount for these improvements currently stands at $13,939.

If anyone wishes to have their name placed on out list for memorials, please contact the address on our homepage or e-mail: gilman@ptcnet.net .

TRAIL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

A new arboretum improvement, which should be very helpful to anyone using the arboretum for educational purposes, has been finished.  A 24-page trail guide is now available to be used as a self-guided tour through the area.  The guide details items such as mature size of the tree, soil and moisture requirements, pest problems, landscape uses, fall color, etc.

Partial funding for the trail guide was provided by a Community Forestry Incentive Program Grant from the Lower Elkhorn NRD.  The guide can be picked up by visitors at the arboretum entrance.  A suggested donation of $1.00 per booklet will cover the cost of reprinting when the guides have all been used.

NEW LILAC GARDEN

A new addition to the arboretum for 2002 will be a lilac garden, located on the east side of Bill Cox Lake.  Three tree lilacs were planted in 2001 and eight different types of shrub lilacs will be added this year.  A bench will also be placed in the garden.

The lilac garden will be in memory of Barb Higgins from Clint and LaVern Heyer and family.