Nebraska Forest Service

10/19/2026

Despite recent moisture and cooler temperatures, wildfire danger remains across Nebraska. As grasses go dormant and dry out, standing dead vegetation provides plenty of fuel for a wildfire to ignite and spread, especially during windy conditions. October is still Fire Prevention Month, so hunters are reminded to stay vigilant. Check fire danger before heading out, park vehicles away from dry grass and be mindful of potential ignition sources. Stay safe, prevent sparks and help protect Nebraska's hunting lands. Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Nebraska State Fire Marshal

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

The September 2026 Forest Health Report covers drought stress, confused trees, the polyphemus moth and a fungus that rots away tree roots. Visit nfs.unl.edu/news/nebraskas-forest-health-report-september-2026/ to read the full report.

10/16/2026

Some fire prevention tips for hunters, anglers and campers to prepare you for many beautiful fall days ahead. 🍂🍁🍂 Happy Fire Prevention Friday!

For more tips, visit nfs.unl.edu/smokey-says-hunters-and-anglers-need-fire-prevention-too/

10/14/2026

Day 3 of drawing a tree every day until a forester can identify it 🌳
Sarah guessed today's tree with unbe-leaf-able accuracy! The shagbark hickory grows in Nebraska's eastern woodlands, often found growing on moist slopes alongside oaks and lindens.

10/13/2026

Tim Buchanan will speak on the oaks of Burr Oak Canyon and the surrounding region at this year's Burr Oak Canyon Tree Symposium. He was the city forester of Fort Collins, Colorado for 41 years before retiring in 2018. During his tenure, Buchanan was responsible for planting thousands of trees across Fort Collins, working aggressively to expand species diversity across the community. He has a passion for exploring trees throughout the region and is an expert on the morphological characteristics of the burr oaks in Burr Oak Canyon.

Hear him speak as a part of "Under the Burr Oaks: A Gathering on Trees and Human Health" on October 29, 2026 at Mid-Plains Community College in McCook. Register for one or all sessions of the conference by calling (308) 344-8604.

10/13/2026

John Erixson knew from a young age that he wanted to spend his life outdoors. And that's exactly what he did.

After nearly a decade leading the Nebraska Forest Service as State Forester, John is retiring following a career dedicated to stewarding Nebraska's trees, forests and communities.

His leadership helped guide the state through historic wildfires and unprecedented challenges, while his commitment to the people doing the work earned him the respect of colleagues across the country.

Recently honored with the 2026 Chris Maisch Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of State Foresters, John says what he'll miss most is the people he's worked alongside.

Join us in congratulating John on a remarkable career and wishing him and his wife, Michaela, all the best in retirement!

Read his story: https://go.unl.edu/eint

10/09/2026

Day 2 of drawing a tree every day until a forester can identify it 🌳
Pretty soon, Justin will ask me to "leaf" him alone. He didn't quite guess today's tree, but he did say my drawings are getting better. The limber pine is one of only two pine species native to the state. It is a resilient tree that can be planted anywhere in the state, but the limber pine is most successful in western Nebraska.

10/08/2026

Day 1 of drawing a tree every day until a forester can identify it 🌳
Today I "stumped" Justin with a cornelian cherry dogwood, which is most often a deciduous shrub but can grow into a small tree. The yellow flowers of the cornelian cherry dogwood can withstand sub-freezing temperatures, making them some of the first flowers to appear each spring.