Photo/Courtesy/Brian Munk, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Executive Director Christina Hoyt and Richard Brown at the awards reception Dec. 7 in Lincoln.
TAYLOR—Volunteers from Taylor, Nebraska were recognized by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum at an Awards Reception Dec. 7 in Lincoln.
The Taylor Community Arboretum has been driven by volunteers since 1992 when a $4,500 grant from the Statewide Arboretum enabled them to improve the landscape of Taylor Park in the center of town. This and subsequent grants were matched by more than $10,000 raised locally. The funds resulted in the planting of dozens of new trees and shrubs along with various perennials and ornamental grasses planted in key locations, all of which involved countless hours of volunteer effort with planting, maintenance, tree labeling and other educational activities. The Taylor Community Arboretum—which includes Taylor Park, Tourist Park, Visitor’s Center, Public Library and the local museum—was recognized as an accredited arboretum in 2010.
Volunteers were also responsible for a well-attended “Summer in the Sandhills” event that included sessions on tree health, history of the Taylor Juniper, Sandhills Ecotour, river tanking hosted by Calamus Outfitters and a focus on the Taylor Villagers created by Marah Sandoz, which are incorporated into the Arboretum.
Other recent activities include a tree pruning and care workshop, stamping 1,730 Nebraska Passports for visitors; participation in the NSA Arboretum Adventure program; and development of a guide to replace future loss of ash trees.
Volunteers who have given up their time over the years include Colt Kraus, Sue McNeil, Kevin Brown, Marah Sandoz, Wade Van Diest, Brian Munk, Richard Brown and many others.
More information on arboretum programs and landscape resources can be found at plantnebraska.org.
