HISTORY

Gilman Park Arboretum in Pierce, Nebraska was established in 1993 and was made possible through grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Community Forestry Assistance Program, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.  Grant funds were matched by the City of Pierce and over $10,000 in recorded memorials and donations.

The arboretum encompasses 14 acres around beautiful Bill Cox Memorial Lake and is serviced by a 1.2 mile wood chipped and concrete path.  There are 243 different labeled varieties of trees and shrubs among 647 woody plants in the arboretum.  Also present are over 80 different varieties of perennials and ornamental grasses.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Gilman Park Arboretum is to improve the landscape environment of Pierce and the surrounding area by serving as an outdoor education area for homeowners, students, and other park users to observe landscape plants recommended for use in the community; to learn the importance of species diversity, good landscape design and environmentally sound landscaping techniques; and enjoy nature in a quiet reflective setting.