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LAUREL — Thanks to the Ten Free Trees program, an effort of the Neb. Forest Service and the Neb. Statewide Arboretum, the Laurel Tree Board received 10 trees for the Fourth Street Improvement project.
The Fourth Street improvement project replaced the Laurel Softball Field project in late August. Eight of the 10 trees were planted 50 feet south of West 4th Street, starting east of the road to Haskell Field.
The addition of trees along this street will help to beautify the space, add a canopy and habitat for wildlife, and help to reduce noise.
. One of the trees was planted in the City Park to replace a tree previously planted, and the final tree was planted in the Haskell Field area along Hwy 20.
Despite providing a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline.
The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list. In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Ten Free Trees program grants up to 10 high quality trees per project for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting. In addition to simply planting more trees, the program goals include increasing appreciation and awareness of the significant value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.
