Nebraska Forest Service

Nebraska's trees are facing a challenging season. While recent rainfall brought some relief, much of the state remains in moderate to extreme drought, with exceptional drought expanding across western Nebraska.

The May Forest Health Report also covers freeze damage recovery, a new Emerald Ash Borer detection in Thurston County, and updates on common tree pests found across the state.

Read the full report to learn what these conditions mean for Nebraska's trees and communities: https://go.unl.edu/fhmay26

"Dry thunderstorms" are thunderstorms that produce little or no precipitation at the surface. In combination with dry fuels (i.e. vegetation), dry thunderstorms can ignite fires with lightning but won’t provide much rain to put the fires out. Therefore, dry thunderstorms are a factor in fire weather forecasts. weather.gov/abq/clifeature2010drythunderstorms

Decades ago, some streets in Lincoln were planted with lines of new ash trees. Now, professionals like foresters and arborists recognize the need to diversify tree selection to protect from species-specific diseases or pests like the emerald ash borer.

University efforts bolster Nebraska's community tree canopy “For a long time, we’ve taken trees for granted. We need to look at trees like we look at any other infrastructure. They’re vital to our communities; they should be managed the same way.” — Hanna Pinneo, executive director, PlantNebraska

It's our favorite week of the year! Ok, maybe we have more than one favorite week, but Nebraska Wildflower Week is right up there! We have SO many fun things happening this week as we head west to hang out in Chadron, Scottsbluff and Gering. Think sunset wildflower hikes, plant sales, plant talks, social gatherings, trivia, and more -- all free, all open to the public. We want to get to know you! Check out all our western Nebraska Wildflower Week events, plus other events happening statewide with our partners. https://plantnebraska.org/resources-events/events/wildflowers.html Yay for flowers!

Applications for the Nebraska Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program are now open!

This cost-share program helps Nebraska volunteer fire departments in communities of less than 10,000 people acquire equipment, prevention materials and training needed to fight wildland fires. Grants provide reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible project costs. That includes two-way radios, protective clothing, breathing apparatus, and/or firefighting equipment.

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your department's wildland fire response capabilities. The deadline to apply is by 10 PM CDT on July 16th.

Learn more and apply: go.unl.edu/vfa

Nebraska Forest Service staff is en route, responding to two fires happening now in Harrison (pictured here) and in Valentine. Much of western and central Nebraska remain in “very high” fire danger. If you’ve done any pile burning in the past week, go check to make sure it’s really out! Photo courtesy: Rick Arnold, CAP Flight.

Fire danger will be elevated across much of Nebraska today, especially in western and central portions of the state where “high” to “very high” rangeland fire danger is expected this afternoon. Nebraska alone accounts for roughly half of all wildfires in the US so far this year, making today a good reminder to use extra caution with any outdoor burning. If you have been or plan on doing pile burning, now is the time to stay vigilant. And if you have burned recently, continue checking those piles to make sure they are completely out. Dry, windy conditions can quickly reignite lingering heat.

Hope you’re having a tree-rrific Tuesday!

Did you know the black walnut is one of the hardiest and most adaptable nut trees that can be grown in Nebraska? Native to much of the central and eastern U.S., black walnut trees can thrive for decades with very little care once established. They also provide excellent shade and produce one of the most valuable hardwoods in the country.

Fun fact: In the late 1970s, a single black walnut tree in Ohio sold for an incredible $35,000!

Did you know some trees attract pollinators both day and night? The northern catalpa uses colorful blooms to guide daytime pollinators, then releases a sweet fragrance after dark to attract moths and other nocturnal species. Learn how this unique tree supports biodiversity across Nebraska’s landscapes in this new article by Nebraska Forest Service Assistant Community Forester John Woodworth. Find the article in the "comments" section

UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources