City of Norfolk plans to plant 2,020 trees in 2020 begin in full force this week in advance of Arbor Day on Friday, April 24. A number of tree-planting initiatives, featuring partnerships with local and state organizations, kick off in the coming week.

“2020 in 2020 is an ambitious yet achievable goal, and we hope that families spending time together on home improvement projects will help us reach it,” said Mayor Josh Moenning. “Increasing our tree canopy, in both public and private spaces, benefits everyone. Trees save money on heating and cooling costs, mitigate runoff and infrastructure degradation, improve air quality, and help beautify the city.”

The “2020 in 2020” effort includes partnerships with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the Norfolk Public Schools Aftershock Program, and area schools and businesses to provide free trees, planting tips, and educational packets to the community.

In March, Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool and summer learning network, announced it’s statewide “Tree-a-thon” which challenges youth across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees in 2020, starting on Arbor Day weekend. The LENRD is donating 1,500 Ponderosa Pine seedlings for the Norfolk Tree-a-thon. The seedlings will be available, free to the public, for pickup at the following locations:

• Saturday, April 18th NorfolkNow Curbside Cruise Locations
• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Public Library (must call to reserve 402-844-2100)
• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce (in the front foyer)
• Wednesday, April 22nd at the Zone 11:30-1:00 PM
• Thursday, April 23rd at the Norfolk Middle School 3:00-6:00 PM
• Saturday, April 25th at the Salvation Army parking lot 7:00 PM

In addition, as part of the “2020 in 2020” initiative, 250 free trees will be distributed to families on a “first come, first served” basis through a grant the city received from the Arbor Day Foundation. This distribution begins Saturday, April 25, and more information on obtaining free trees can be found at https://norfolkne.gov/government/departments/communications-office/news/free-tree-distribution-dates-set-for-end-of-april.html. The City of Norfolk also has plans to plant up to 300 new trees across the city on public lands to help reach the 2,020 goal.

“It’s important to maintain our connection with nature during these uncertain times,” said Julie Wragge, Information & Education Specialist for the LENRD. “We are proud to partner with community leaders to provide these trees and to provide this opportunity for families to strengthen their connection with nature through tree planting.”

“We need trees to keep our communities healthy and resilient. We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact in their community while learning to plant and care for trees,” said Austin Casselberry, Project Director for Aftershock.

For more information and updates please visit the city website at norfolkne.gov or the city Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkNE/.