The City of Lincoln will be giving away 400 trees at no cost this Saturday, Sept. 27, at at Pioneers Park Nature Center, complimenting the day-long Wild Fall Festival.
The distribution runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents must first stop by the Parks and Recreation booth near the Cunningham School building to receive a ticket before picking up their tree. Trees are available in one-gallon containers with planting and care instructions, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mike Comstock, Parks Operations Coordinator, tells KLIN News that tree experts will be available for questions.
Species suited to Nebraska’s climate will be offered, including Bur Oak, Eastern Redbud, Prairie Gold Quaking Aspen, Paw Paw, and Swamp White Oak, among others. The giveaway aims to help homeowners replace trees lost to storms of the last few years and Emerald Ash Borer damage, with an emphasis on supporting low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Lincoln’s Emerald Ash Borer response plan, launched after the invasive beetle species was first detected in 2018, includes phased removal of ash trees in streets and parks. Residents can also apply for the city’s “Adopt an Ash” program to extend the life of street trees near their homes through chemical treatments.
More information is available at lincoln.ne.gov/treegiveaway.