Open House to be held July 9th for the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project

JEO Consulting Group Inc. will facilitate a public Open House regarding the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA).  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the work plan.  The Open House will be held virtually through Zoom on July 9, 2020, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.  All are welcome.  The meeting will be recorded and a link to the recording will be posted on the LENRD’s website the following day.

The Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project, located in Madison County, is a potential project with purposes relating to flood prevention, watershed protection, agricultural water management, and public recreation.  The proposed purposes and associated alternatives will be determined as the development of the Plan-EA progresses.  During the July 9th meeting, attendees will be able to learn more about the Plan-EA from project personnel, as well as ask questions and provide feedback.  Written comment will be accepted for up to 14 days after the meeting.

The Plan-EA is being prepared to fulfill National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities pertaining to federal financial assistance received through the NRCS’s Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program.  Part of this project includes an evaluation of environmental resources and impact considerations, and all information gathered during the public meeting will help guide the planning process.

The Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Plan-EA is scheduled to be finalized in 2021, and the LENRD has retained JEO Consulting Group to assist in developing the plan.

Any written comments or requests regarding the project should be submitted to Adam Rupe with JEO at arupe@jeo.com or 402-435-3080. Comments can also be submitted to the JEO Lincoln office at 2700 Fletcher Avenue, Lincoln, NE, 68504.

Meeting ID: 891 3254 9860, Password: 692495

LENRD receives grant for interpretive learning signs on the Cowboy Trail

Are you looking for a fun way to get out and enjoy a warm summer day? Have you been to the Cowboy Trail? This week we installed 6 interpretive learning signs to help make your time on the trail more enjoyable and fun for groups of all ages!

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) partnered with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission on this project and received a grant to develop the signs through the Watchable Wildlife Grant Program. The signs are located along the 2.2 miles of paved trail (managed by the LENRD) heading west from the trailhead in Norfolk’s Ta-Ha-Zouka Park.

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “These signs are a great way to learn more about your natural resources as you walk along the Cowboy Trail just west of Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. The interpretive learning signs are designed to help people understand, appreciate, and emotionally connect with their surroundings.”

The signs include popular topics addressing animal signs left behind, watchable wildlife, river life, Nebraska water, riparian woods, and pollinators. Wragge added, “We hope you stop to look, listen, and learn about our natural resources the next time you’re on the trail!”

Minutes after installing this sign, these 2 girls immediately stopped to check it out!

Funding received for Maple Creek Watershed Plan

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that five Natural Resources Districts in Nebraska received over $4.5 million in Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) funding. This funding will be directed towards developing watershed plans in the following NRDs:  the Upper Niobrara-White NRD in Chadron, the Middle Niobrara NRD in Valentine, the Central Platte NRD in Grand Island, the Lower Big Blue NRD in Beatrice, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in Norfolk.

The LENRD received the WFPO funding to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan which will evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects.

Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “We look forward to working with these Natural Resources Districts on these new watershed projects. We saw how established watershed projects sprang into action last spring, following the bomb cyclone, reducing flood damages and protecting natural resources. These new projects plan to provide more benefits to more areas across Nebraska.”

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This plan aims to reduce overall flood risk potential and support the largely agricultural economy in the Maple Creek Watershed.  With the help of the WFPO funding, this project will surpass previous planning efforts by focusing on the entire area, where previous studies have been smaller in scope.”

Four communities are located within the Maple Creek Watershed:  Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson.  The communities and area farmland have a long history of flood damages resulting from large scale watershed discharges and rainfall events.  This plan will help to further define the need for potential flood reduction projects to protect the watershed.

LENRD scholarships awarded to area graduates

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently awarded four scholarships to area graduates.  The $500 scholarships are given to graduating High School Seniors within the district who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.

To be eligible for a scholarship the student must be a graduating high school senior who resides or whose family owns land within the LENRD boundaries.  The student must have an overall grade point average of a 2.0, or higher, on a 4.0 scale.  The student must also attend an accredited college, community college or vocational school the semester following graduation.

The four graduates selected to receive scholarships in 2020 are:  Casey Doernemann of Dodge, Madeline Huwaldt of Osmond, Garret Kroupa of Pierce, and Mikayla Martensen of Humphrey.

Casey Doernemann is a graduate of Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point.  He plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in Agri-Business.  Casey is the son of Jim and Lynda Doernemann of Dodge.

Madeline Huwaldt is a graduate of Osmond High School.  She plans to attend South Dakota State University and major in Agricultural Communications.  Madeline is the daughter of Brad and Marla Huwaldt of Osmond.

Garret Kroupa is a graduate of Pierce High School.  He plans to attend Northeast Community College and major in Diversified Agriculture.  Garret is the son of Mike and Lanette Kroupa of Pierce.

Mikayla Martensen is a graduate of Humphrey High School.  She plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and major in Agricultural Education.  Mikayla is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Martensen of Humphrey.

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “The LENRD board and staff would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our scholarship winners and thank all students who took the time to apply.  We’re happy to support you in your future endeavors and we encourage you to remember how important the protection of our natural resources is for our future.  Good luck to all of you!”

Lower Elkhorn NRD to restore tent camping this weekend

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will open tent camping at their recreation areas beginning Thursday, June 4.  All previous temporary restrictions on recreational vehicle and tent camping will be removed.  Designated beaches and swimming areas and all restrooms and shower houses will also open on June 4.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “There’s high demand for outdoor recreation, and we’re happy to restore more opportunities at our recreation areas.  All campsites at Maskenthine and Maple Creek will now be available to all camping units, including RVs, camping trailers and tents.”

He continued, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and remind everyone to practice social distancing to ensure compliance with the state’s Directed Health Measures for COVID-19 as we continue to work to protect the health of the public and our staff.”

The following measures will go into effect June 4:

• All campsites remain on a first-come, first-served basis.

• To provide for more opportunity for campers, the maximum length of stay will be seven days.

• Shower houses and restrooms will open. Guests should bring their own disinfecting wipes to sanitize before and after using the facility.  Staff will also have increased cleaning rotations.

• Outdoor playgrounds and picnic shelters will open.  Guests should bring their own hand sanitizer.

• Designated beaches and designated swimming areas will open.  Do not congregate in the beach area.

Those visiting parks should follow these guidelines to recreate responsibly:

• Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and other guests.

• Engage in recreational activities only with members of your household.

• Stick to low-risk activities to reduce stress on local emergency response and health care systems.

• Pack and use hand sanitizer often.

• Avoid high-touch areas. Clean public use surfaces, such as boat dock handrails, with disinfecting wipes prior to use.

• If boating, do not congregate at boat ramps, boat docks, or beach areas.

• If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick with COVID-19, stay home.

Sousek added, “Please continue to recreate responsibly.  Be safe and enjoy your summer.”

Recreation Areas

LENRD board supports funding to restore and establish tree windbreaks

At their May board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors signed a letter of support to apply for grant funding to restore and establish tree windbreaks across the district.  The Nebraska Forest Service is applying for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and has requested the LENRD’s support.  If this RCPP proposal is selected for funding, the LENRD would provide $300,000 through the Nebraska Forest Restoration Partnership over the next five years as a match for the grant.  This match would be a reduction in the current tree cost-share budget.  In return, additional funds and technical assistance would be made available to the LENRD.  LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “This grant would allow further opportunities to expand our current programs and develop more windbreaks across northeast Nebraska.  I’m excited for the opportunity to work with area landowners to accomplish this.”

In other action, the board approved a contract with HDR to create a Board of Consultants to perform a peer review of the Willow Creek Dam Underseepage Study.  Through this process, experts in the field will review the study to determine which action to take to further secure the dam, located southwest of Pierce.  The two options proposed include a relief well system or a seepage berm as potential mitigation measures for the elevated piezometric pressures on the dam.  The board also voted to sign a contract with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to reimburse 50% or the LENRD’s costs paid to HDR for the review.

The board is also looking to gather more information and potential ways to reduce the toxic algae and improve water quality in the lake at the Willow Creek State Recreation Area.  The board voted to sign a contract with FYRA Engineering to study the internal phosphorus loading within the Willow Creek reservoir.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is a multi-phase approach to determine what could potentially be done to combat the issue.”  The board voted 9 to 5 to begin with the first step in the process which involves the collection and analysis of core soil samples.

The board also approved an interlocal agreement for up to $1.7 million with the City of West Point for their levee project.  The agreement was set to expire in June and needed to be updated.  Work on the project will begin in 2021.  This project will protect the City of West Point from flood waters and bring the levee into compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards.

In other business, the board voted to apply for a technical assistance grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).  The LENRD would provide $15,580 for one year to support hiring a full-time employee stationed in the Pierce NRCS office.  This individual would be working on nutrient management plans and irrigation water management in Pierce County.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

LENRD office to open by appointment only beginning June 1st

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office in Norfolk will open its doors for appointments only beginning on Monday, June 1st.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “We plan to start relaxing some of our restrictions and will allow the public to visit with staff in the office, by appointment only, to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone.”

Sousek added, “As we navigate through these uncertain times, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We’re available to answer your phone calls and emails, and now you also have the option of making an appointment with us.  If you do not feel comfortable meeting face-to-face, there’s also a drop box at the main entrance (west door) for reports and permits.”

The LENRD will continue to monitor the developments with COVID-19, and implement the latest recommendations from federal, state and local authorities.  Visit the LENRD website, Facebook or Twitter, or sign up for our monthly emails for further updates.

1508 Square turn boulevard, norfolk, ne 68701 - 402-371-7313

4-H Camps go virtual this summer

COVID-19 has caused many events to be postponed or cancelled. For the summer 4-H Camps, they will be held virtually.

We want to share their new online camp opportunity with youth ages 8-18! Choose from a variety of exciting, live, online programs that you can participate in right from your home! Meet and interact with other youth who have similar interests!

Please use these links to learn more about some of our virtual camp offerings that will be led by Nebraska 4-H, Camp Professionals, UNL Faculty/Staff and Industry Professionals.

View Our List of Offerings

Then register for your favorites using your account information. Don't know your log in information, its easy to Retrieve / Reset Your Login Information.

Assistance is available to help producers with animal disposal

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial and technical assistance to livestock producers for animal mortality disposal, resulting from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Producers facing livestock depopulation are encouraged to file an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application (Form CPA-1200) with their local NRCS field office. Applications are being accepted now.

Emergency Animal Mortality Management Initiative

LENRD campgrounds set to open May 20th

Campers can begin to enjoy their favorite pastime at various recreation areas later this month.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be opening the campgrounds at their recreation areas on Wednesday, May 20th.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Due to COVID-19, social distancing efforts have been enforced to save lives.  On May 20th, we plan to open our campgrounds at Maskenthine Lake near Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh with some restrictions.”

Beginning on May 20th, the RV campsites will have the following requirements:

• The camping sites are first-come, first-served for $25 per night.

• Tent camping is not allowed until further notice.

• Only self-contained RVs, with factory features that allow them to hold potable water, contain wastewater/sewage and connect to electrical service, will be allowed.

• Shower houses and restrooms are closed until further notice.  RV dump stations will be open.

• Each campsite will be limited to eight guests, and the length of stay will be limited to 7 days.

• Designated beach and swimming areas are closed until further notice, in part due to recent incidents involving large gatherings and lack of social distancing.

• Other waterfront areas are open for day use and fishing as long as social distancing and the 10-person gathering size limit are maintained.

• Picnic shelters, undesignated campsites, and playgrounds are closed until further notice.

Sousek added, “We will provide updates as they become available.  Please take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing even in outdoor spaces.”

LENRD Recreation Area Superintendent, Leonard Boryca, said, “We look forward to restoring more recreational opportunities as conditions improve.  Our priority is protecting everyone’s health by following the CDC guidelines.”

These LENRD managed recreation areas are multipurpose projects, offering outdoor opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all residents, as well as a range of conservation benefits including:  groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and soil erosion prevention.

Nitrates in Nebraska

DID YOU KNOW THIS WEEK IS DRINKING WATER WEEK? WHAT'S IN YOUR WATER?
This professional project was written and edited by Jessica Fargen Walsh in 2019 when she she was a graduate assistant pursuing a master's degree in professional journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica interviewed at least 60 people including farmers, townspeople, village water operators, mayors, business owners, researchers, natural resources district managers, and a mother of a child who had cancer. She drove more than 1,600 miles, and visited more than a dozen towns and cities. She wanted to tell the story of the impact of nitrate contamination from all points of view in the hopes of creating awareness. It's a problem that people are trying to fix, but is not really getting better. The site was published in December 2019 and updated in April 2020. She wants more people to ask themselves: What's in my water?

Transforming manure and cedar mulch from "waste" to "worth"

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has partnered with the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to develop on-farm research sites to explore soil health on agricultural land.  The grant was written to develop 6 research sites across the state, partnering with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and local producers.

The demonstration sites will be utilizing manure and cedar mulch as soil amendments.  The sites will further document agronomic, soil health, environmental and economic benefits of using the amendments.

Research students from UNL designed and coordinated the test plots and the application of the manure and woodchips, prior to spring planting.

Agustin Olivo is a UNL Graduate Research Assistant in biological systems engineering and is working with the project.  Olivo said, “The goal is to improve soil properties while recycling locally available amendments such as livestock manure and woodchips from cedar trees.  Cedar encroachment has become a large problem across Nebraska and this is one way to recycle the cleared trees, and off-set the cost by using the chips for mulch on Ag land.”

Olivo added, “When exploring the health of soil, we must look at the chemical, physical, and biological properties and determine if all the parts are performing well.  These demo sites will allow us to further investigate the value and benefits of the nutrients applied as we work to improve the soil properties.”

The demonstrations will also engage local high school students in educational experiences as they address soil health and the implementation of on-farm research for evaluating proposed practice change.  Within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the site is located just west of Pierce on land owned by Ted Krienke.  Ag and FFA students from Pierce High School are participating in the demonstration.

Three different applications will be studied: a control plot of inorganic fertilizer, a plot with only cattle manure, and a plot of manure and wood chips.  These plots were replicated four times, and will be studied for the next 2 years.  Preliminary data will be shared later this year.

Partners for the project include Extension Educators, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at UNL, the Nebraska Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the NRDs, the crop and livestock producers, and the local schools.

The project sites were funded in part through the NET grant, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and the Water for Food Institute.

Research students from UNL designed and coordinated the test plots and the application of the manure and woodchips, prior to spring planting.

Chemigation permits due June 1st

Farmers planning to chemigate during the 2020 growing season must renew chemigation permits by June 1 to meet state deadline requirements, according to Josh Schnitzler, Water Resources Coordinator for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Chemigation is the application of any chemical, fertilizer or pesticide through an irrigation system. To legally chemigate in Nebraska, an operator must be certified to apply chemicals and obtain a chemigation permit from their local NRD.

"Farmers holding chemigation permits, even if they are uncertain whether they will chemigate later this year, should consider renewing their permits by June 1," Schnitzler said.  Schnitzler is encouraging area producers to reapply by the state-required deadline to avoid the increased cost and possible delays of an inspection.

An irrigation system that has not been renewed prior to the June 1 deadline cannot apply chemicals through the system until a new permit is obtained.  Chemigation renewal permits cost $20.  New chemigation permits cost $50, and the applicant cannot use the system until it passes a mandatory inspection.  All permits must be submitted to the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.

By renewing a permit by June 1, a producer may proceed with chemigation. An inspection does not have to be performed prior to chemigation for a renewal application, Schnitzler said.  However, a random chemigation inspection may be necessary later in the season as part of the LENRD's routine summer inspections as required by state law.

Applicants must have the signature of a certified applicator on their application form.  Schnitzler stated, “In order to be certified, a person must complete a chemigation safety course and pass an exam once every four years.”

If chemigating is necessary, on short notice, emergency permits can be obtained at a cost of $250.  Irrigation systems meeting chemigation law standards will then be allowed to operate within 72 hours.

Approximately 1,947 chemigation permits were approved by the LENRD in 2019.  For more information on renewing or obtaining chemigation permits, call the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 371-7313.

Chemigation Permits

Where would we BEE without Pollinators?

In partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), the Lower Elkhorn NRD is celebrating the 65th year of Stewardship Week April 26 – May 3, 2020, focusing on the theme “Where would we BEE without pollinators?”

Pollinators form the underpinning of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but they have shown disturbing signs of decline in recent years. When pollinators shrink in number, many plants either produce less seed or no seed at all. Most plants depend upon pollinators to reproduce. There are more than 100,000 species of insects, including bees, flies, moths, butterflies and beetles, and over 1,000 species of other animals such as birds, reptiles and mammals, including bats, that pollinate plants. 

“Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystems every day,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “It’s important that we work to learn how we can protect their habitat in our communities.”

Free, downloadable Stewardship Week resources celebrating the theme “Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?” are available on NACD’s website at:

LENRD board approves Hazard Mitigation Plan

Proactive hazard mitigation planning allows a community to take actions to reduce or eliminate threats from natural disasters. To help guide future hazard mitigation projects, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has updated their Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved it at their April board meeting.

When developing the plan, the LENRD’s 15-counties were guided by a Planning Team consisting of representatives from the LENRD, counties, cities, several schools, and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for every $1 spent on hazard mitigation, $4 in post storm cleanup and rebuilding is saved.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “Once a community, county, or district is part of an approved plan they become eligible for up to a 75% cost share for a wide variety of projects listed in the plan. Hazard Mitigation Plans are required to be updated on a five-year cycle.”

JEO Consulting Group, Inc. (JEO) was hired to update the plan.  JEO assisted in completing the LENRD’s original and previous plans in 2009 and 2014.  This hazard mitigation plan update is funded by a FEMA planning grant.  The cost is shared 75% through federal funding and 25% through a local match.  For this plan update, the LENRD provided the 25% local match.

In other business, the board approved a payment request from the City of Randolph for $834,723 for their flood risk management project.  The board signed an inter-local agreement with the city in 2017.  This payment request will assist with Phase 1 of the project and will keep the project moving forward.  The entire project includes the widening of the channel and the replacement of several bridges through the city.

The board also approved the Urban Recreation Area Development and Urban Conservation Program applications for a total of $89,551.58.  The 4 approved grants will assist the communities of Madison, Norfolk, and Randolph with their outdoor recreation projects.  Becker said, “The applications for these grants are sent to the communities within the LENRD each year with an early March deadline.”

The board also voted to authorize staff to proceed with the handicapped sidewalk project at Maskenthine Lake.  This will complete the sidewalks near the jetties and the boat dock.  The bid was accepted from Gates Construction, LLC for $12,669.

In other action, the board approved the producer contracts for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) demonstration site for groundwater nitrate reduction.  This project will consist of 3 demonstration sites on farms within the BGMA through a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant.

The board also approved to continue the operation, maintenance, and coordination of the Nebraska GeoCloud platform.  LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The GeoCloud platform hosts the statewide Airborne Electromagnetic Survey (AEM) data and the supporting datasets that allows for the sharing of this data with the public through the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) website.”

A presentation was given by Charles Ikenberry, an engineer with FYRA Engineering, on potential ways to reduce the toxic algae in the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce.  He proposed a multi-phase approach to the study of the phosphorus build up in the lake to determine what could potentially be done to combat the issue.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is an introduction to a project that could potentially help us to further understand the complexity of this issue and assist us in developing a plan to protect the water quality in the lake and the surrounding area.”

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m.

LENRD plants 375 trees at the City of Norfolk's well field

On Monday, April 20th, staff from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), planted 375 trees and shrubs at the City of Norfolk’s well field, west of Norfolk.  The planting is a partnership between the two agencies during the 2,020 trees in 2020 campaign. Black Hills Spruce trees and American Plums were planted at the well field, adding to the trees that were planted by the LENRD and the Nebraska Forest Service in previous years.

Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’re happy to plant more trees out here at the well field.  Trees are natural oxygen producers.  Being surrounded by trees can have a beneficial effect on the mind, boosting overall mental health.  Trees also provide shelter and homes for animals, they protect our soil from erosion, and can even help to lower heating and cooling costs.  I love the way that trees can make some of our ‘not so nice’ weather bearable.”

Mayor Josh Moenning, said, “Trees provide many benefits, not only for us, but for the future.  Our partnership with the Lower Elkhorn NRD remains strong as we continue to grow northeast Nebraska.”

Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, and LENRD Interns, Erika Hinz and Dillon Hupp, are checking on one of the Black Hills Spruce trees, holding up their fingers to represent the 375 trees they planted.

Coalition plans statewide Tree-a-thon for 2020

Youth, communities come together to plant and celebrate trees  

On Arbor Day weekend (April 24-26), youth and their communities will participate in the statewide Nebraska Tree-A-Thon to plant and celebrate trees. Communities are collaborating with a coalition of nonprofits and public institutions including Beyond School Bells and afterschool providers, the Arbor Day Foundation, Natural Resources Districts, Audubon Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska.

“Now more than ever it is important for youth and their families to collectively participate in an out-of-school-time activity that is positive, safe, shared and lasting,” said Anna Wishart of Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s afterschool network. “The beauty of planting and celebrating trees is that it can be done safely in our backyards and neighborhoods.”

Communities and the coalition have been working diligently to purchase trees, coordinate safe tree pick-up locations, and develop resources for youth and families to learn about the benefits of trees and how to care for them. 

“Our Natural Resources Districts have partnered with more than 20 community afterschool programs that span Nebraska to find safe and creative ways to deliver tree seedlings into the hands of youth for planting,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president.

For youth and families that do not have trees to plant, the coalition has resources and activities for other ways to celebrate trees. Just last month, seven talented University of Nebraska-Lincoln students worked with tree experts to develop fun activities for youth to learn about trees. Nebraskan families can access and download this tree-a-thon educational resource here. 

The Arbor Day Foundation has launched a social media campaign to plant up to 50,000 trees on behalf of people celebrating trees. To get a tree planted on your behalf, all you have to do is post a picture of a tree (or a tree selfie is even better) and use the hashtag #ArborDayAtHome.

Whether it is planting trees, going on a nature walk, making birdhouses, or posting a tree selfie, Nebraska’s youth and their families are encouraged to join the Tree-A-Thon this year to collectively share in the importance of trees. Please join the Tree-A-Thon by posting a picture of your family planting and/or celebrating trees and make sure to tag the members of the tree-a-thon coalition and include #NETreeAThon, #TreeSelfie and #ArborDayAtHome. 

"We need trees to keep our communities cool, healthy and resilient,” said Logan Donahoo, K-12 program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact on their communities and learn the lifelong skills of planting and caring for trees."

#NETreeathon #TreeSelfie #ArborDayAtHome #2020in2020

Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with end-of-season tree sales

In Nebraska, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The 148th Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated Friday, April 24th.

Since Nebraska is the birth state of Arbor Day, it’s only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year.  The LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase next Friday in celebration of Arbor Day, at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the LENRD Tree Distribution Center (approximately 2 miles north of Stanton).

The Center will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Arbor Day.  Seedlings must be purchased in bundles of 25 for $22 plus tax.  Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’ll be cleaning out the cooler on Arbor Day, quantities are limited, but there’s still enough variety if you’re looking for trees or shrubs to fill in your windbreak.  Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ll be using a drive thru lane for tree purchase and pickup at the distribution center at Maskenthine.”  Stewart added, “Plant a tree to protect your property and the future.  Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor for future generations.”

Contact the LENRD office if you have questions about the trees or if you need further assistance.

Trees available for purchase on Arbor Day

More information

Norfolk awarded $1.125 million for Johnson Park and riverfront improvements

The State of Nebraska recently announced the City of Norfolk was awarded $1.125 million through the Civic Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) to help fund Johnson Park and Riverfront Improvements. The CCCFF grants are awarded to municipalities and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to encourage and foster enhanced quality of life. CCCFF grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and $1.125 million is the maximum amount allowed.

“For years now, we’ve been forging partnerships and leveraging available resources to help fund needed improvements to the Johnson Park/North Fork Riverfront area,” said Mayor Josh Moenning. “That work is paying off.  This grant funding provides a significant boost to our efforts to restore Johnson Park to its Works Progress Administration-era beauty, reconnect the park to the North Fork Riverfront, and make the area safe, clean and accessible once again for recreational use.”

Some components of the project include new ADA restrooms, additional parking spaces, an amphitheater in the park, updated playground equipment, infrastructure improvements, removal of the existing spillway, eight 18-inch high boulder walls constructed to introduce water recreation characteristics to the river, enhanced aquatic habitats, beautification along the bank corridors and river access points. The estimated timeline for work calls for bidding to take place summer of 2021, with construction starting later in 2021 through fall of 2022. Partial funding of the project was budgeted in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), utilization of City Keno funds, and funds from both the Sanitary Improvement District (SID) and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

“By partnering with the City of Norfolk on the River Rehabilitation Project, we are working together to improve the quality of life for the citizens across our 15-county district.  This is not only a project for Norfolk, but rather the Norfolk Area.  Families are looking for more things to do in northeast Nebraska,” said Mike Sousek LENRD General Manager.

Last year the City of Norfolk received a planning grant for preliminary and design work needing to be completed prior to construction of the project. Part of that work was to start the process of obtaining a 404 Permit through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and environmental review. The City also has additional projects in motion that complement the Johnson Park and River Restoration effort, including Braasch Avenue reconstruction for which design was completed in 2019 and construction is set to start May 2020.

Senior Scholarships now available

This year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating High School Seniors within the district.  These scholarships are available for students who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.  Seniors who are interested should contact their guidance counselor or the Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk for further information, eligibility requirements, and applications.  Scholarship information has been sent to all schools within the district boundaries and is also available below. The deadline for all scholarship applications has been extended to Friday, May 22, 2020.

Scholarship Criteria

Application Form