More trees to enhance west entrance to city

McCOOK, Neb. – This fall, the City of McCook will continue its efforts to enhance the west entrance to the city by planting 10 new trees, thanks to the “Ten Free Trees” program, a partnership between the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

This marks the second phase of the city’s tree-planting project, which began last year.

The new trees will be planted along the south side of the walking trail at the west entrance, extending the line of trees planted in 2023. The species to be planted this year include 2 Chinkapin Oaks, 1 Early Glow Ohio Buckeye, 1 Flashfire Maple, 1 Schuette Oak, 1 Triumph Elm, 1 Bur Oak, 1 Northern Catalpa, 1 Princeton Elm, and 1 Skyline Honeylocust.

Ten trees were planted during last year’s project phase, including two Bur Oak Canyon Bur Oaks, two Hackberries, one Skyline Honeylocust, two Chinkapin Oaks, one Acer Fall Fiesta Maple, one Sterling Linden, and one Catalpa.

The Ten Free Trees program aims to combat the steady decline of Nebraska’s community forests, which is caused by challenges such as extreme weather, insect infestations like the Emerald Ash Borer, and a lack of species diversity. By providing high-quality trees for public planting projects, the program supports efforts to restore local forests and enhance their resilience.

In addition to supplying trees, the program seeks to raise awareness about the value of community forests and the need for species diversity. This year’s project focuses on planting various species, helping to bolster the city’s tree canopy and provide long-term environmental benefits.

The Ten Free Trees initiative is part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum’s Trees for Nebraska Towns program, funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the USDA Forest Service. It also benefits from the Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act and Landscape Scale Restoration funds.

Residents can find more information about tree planting and maintenance at plantnebraska.org.