LINCOLN – We have all been reminded of the importance of green space in these times. Its beauty gives us hope and a connection to nature.
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is honoring efforts toward community beautification, conservation, and education. They ask Nebraskans to consider gardens and other efforts for the following awards.
The Blazing Star Award recognizes an individual that advances the horticultural use of native plants, or the restoration of native plant communities in Nebraska.
The Johnny Appleseed Award is for someone that shows sustained personal involvement in tree-planting around Nebraska.
The Educator Award will be awarded to someone who advances their student’s knowledge and appreciation of plants.
Finally, there is the Community Landscape Award. This goes to individuals, groups, businesses, organizations, and units of government for the implementation of a landscaping project. The project should improve the green infrastructure of a community. It should include an element of sustainability. This could be water conservation, stormwater management, land stewardship, tree-canopy restoration, habitat, use of native plants, biodiversity, and outreach.
Nominations are due on October 30 to klarsen1@unl.edu, or fill out a form online at https://plantnebraska.org/connect/events/.
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum administers community landscaping grants and oversees a network of arboretums. For more information, visit www.plantnebraska.org.