Arboretum Honors Volunteer for Efforts at Arbor Lodge

Oct. 31, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. — Joel Lundak is the recipient of the Volunteer Award, given annually by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to individuals or groups who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to NSA or one of its affiliate sites. Lundak was recognized by NSA Board President Bill Pospichal for his efforts at Arbor Lodge Arboretum in Nebraska City.

Lundak and his wife Helen have generously contributed their time and money to beautify the grounds at Arbor Lodge over the last several years. In 2010, Lundak purchased and planted 300 tulip bulbs. He also planted Asiatic and oriental lilies around the carriage house, mansion and historic gardens. The plants continue to multiply and are a major attraction for visitors when they're in bloom.

The following year Lundak planted a variety of flowering shrubs, including many butterfly bushes, to enhance and complement the rest of the landscape. Deciding that Arbor Lodge needed a "splash of spring," he selected an outstanding cultivar of daffodils, King Alfred's, to add spring color and vibrancy to the landscape around Arbor Lodge. Once again, Lundak purchased the daffodils with his own money and recruited volunteers to assist him with plantings.

In 2012, Lundak purchased more daffodil bulbs for planting and recruited the Molex Corporation to turn it into a volunteer project for its employees. With the help of the Nebraska City Tourism and Chamber of Commerce, Lundak organized the Molex employees to plant daffodils bulbs at Arbor Lodge.

Lundak has used the beautified landscape for taking photographs which he developed into note cards that are sold at the Arbor Lodge gift shop. Proceeds from notecard sales go to the Friends of Arbor Lodge Foundation.

Pospichal said the Arbor Lodge Arboretum is one of about 100 arboretums statewide that rely heavily on volunteers, "Lundak is a wonderful example of the difference one individual can make in helping to beautify a community."

More information about Arbor Lodge or other statewide gardens can be found at: http://arboretum.unl.edu.