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.”

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