About the Conservation Tree Program

Since 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have partnered with landowners to plant over 102 million trees statewide. At approximately $1.20 per seedling, and with cost-share programs available in many districts, these conservation trees provide immense benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment. They offer shade, shelter homes, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, support wildlife by providing food and cover, buffer noise, and add beauty to the landscape. 

As windbreaks mature, NRD foresters recommend landowners consider rehabilitating old windbreaks or planning new plantings. The NRD Conservation Tree Program provides an affordable way for landowners to safeguard their property. NRD staff and foresters collaborate with landowners to choose the best tree species, create planting plans, and, in many cases, even handle the planting.

For more information on the NRD Conservation Tree Program, visit www.nrdtrees.org.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Conservation Tree Program

Conservation Tree Program Orders for the Lower Elkhorn NRD are now closed. The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District’s Conservation Tree Program offers a wide variety of seedlings and services to landowners interested in planting trees and shrubs for windbreaks, living snow fences, livestock protection, forest buffers, woodlots, and wildlife habitat. Orders closed on February 20, 2026.  Call our office for more information at 402-371-7313 or visit your local NRCS office.

2026 Order Pick Up Information

Stanton Location (Maskenthine Lake)

  • Friday, April 17th | 12PM-5:30PM
  • Thursday, April 23rd | 9AM-4:30PM
  • Friday, April 24th | 9AM-2PM

Click here to see the Stanton Pick Up Flyer

West Point Location (USDA Service Center)

  • Friday, April 17th | 9:30AM-3PM

Click here to see the West Point Pick Up Flyer

Last Chance Sale - Leftover Inventory ONLY 

  • Friday, April 24th | 9AM-2PM

Click here to see the Last Chance Sale Flyer 

 

 

Cost-Share Forestry Programs

Drip Irrigation Cost Share

 

Machine Planting Service

  • There is a charge of $0.55 / seedling
  • There is a minimum planting charge of $275.00 per project
  • Not available for Small Acreage or Wildlife packages
  • For help with designing a tree planting plan, windbreak, contact Todd Stewart
  • If you’re interested in CRP plantings, contact your local NRCS office.

Coco Weed Guards

  • $45.00 plus tax for a bundle of 25 mats (must be ordered in lots of 25)
  • All natural, biodegradable weed control disc made of compressed coconut fibers
  • Provides improved watering efficiency by retaining moisture.
  • Porus material prevents the buildup of heat experienced with plastic discs.
  • Anticipated to last 2-3 years before gradually decomposing by year 5-6.
  • The LENRD does not offer an installation service for the mats.