Community representatives from across the state will meet for the Nebraska Community Forestry Conference and Tree City USA Celebration April 20 at Lincoln's downtown Holiday Inn.
The conference title is "Plant It Forward – Future Generations Depend on It!," said Jessica Kelling, ReTree Nebraska coordinator with the Nebraska Forest Service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
"This year we're going to look at all the opportunities available for communities to care for and improve their tree resources," said Kelling.
The event is for tree board members, city foresters, mayors, city administrators and community volunteers. Communities are welcome to bring several representatives, Kelling said.
"As of last year, 108 communities in Nebraska were Tree City USA communities," Kelling said. "Tree City allows communities to proudly show they care for Nebraska's trees."
Registration is from 8-9 a.m. Opening remarks and welcome will be by Eric Berg, community forestry program leader, Nebraska Forest Service, and Lyle Minshull, chair of the Nebraska Community Forestry Council.
Workshop topics and speakers are: "How Climate and Weather Affects Plants," Allen Dutcher, state climatologist, UNL; "Community Forestry Update & Opportunities East and West," Amy Seiler and Graham Herbst, community forestry assistants, Nebraska Forest Service; "Community Forestry: What Are We Trying to Do?," Tim McDonnell, community forestry program coordinator, Kansas Forest Service; "Get Kids Outside!," Jennifer Swerczek, conservation education coordinator, Nebraska Forest Service; and "Nebraska Environmental Trust," Marilyn Tabor, grants administrator, Nebraska Environmental Trust.
A morning break will allow participants to view exhibits.
The day also will include two awards ceremonies. The first will be from Noon-1:15 p.m., and the second from 2-3:30 p.m.
The first ceremony will be during lunch and will recognize community forestry award winners.
The second event will be the Tree City USA Awards program. These awards recognize communities that meet the following criteria: have a city arborist or tree board, have a tree ordinance, spent $2 per capita for tree maintenance or tree education and celebrate Arbor Day.
Remarks will be made by Gov. Dave Heineman, Scott Josiah, state forester and director, Nebraska Forest Service and Lyle Minshull.
Cost for the conference and lunch is $5. For more information about registration or lodging, visit retreenebraska.org or contact Kelling at (402) 472-0220, email jkelling2@unl.edu.
The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Community Forestry Council and ReTree Nebraska.
The Nebraska Forest Service is part of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
More details at: http://www.retreenebraska.org