by Michelle DeRusha | Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Lincoln, Neb. — The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA) will host a series of free events in Ogallala, Gering and Scottsbluff on June 6, 7 and 8 to celebrate Nebraska Wildflower Week (June 1-9), a statewide initiative that focuses on shining the spotlight on Nebraska’s unique and diverse native wildflower species. The following events are free and open to the public:
Thursday, June 6
Plant Talk and Guided Wildflower Hike at Cedar Point Biological Station
10 a.m. - 12 noon
170 Cedar Point Dr., Ogallala
The Plant Talk will be held in Lubber Lab at Cedar Point Biological Station beginning at 10 a.m. with NSA Horticulture Program Coordinator Bob Henrickson, who will talk about native wildflower species, particularly those prevalent in western Nebraska. A guided wildflower hike (approximately 45
minutes) with Henrickson and Cedar Point Biological Station staff will follow the Plant Talk. Snacks and water will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk over uneven terrain. No registration required.
Tri Trails Park Affiliate Site Celebration
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Road West 80 and Lawrence Road, Ogallala
All are welcome to attend a tree planting and celebration of Tri Trails Park becoming an NSA Landscape Steward Affiliate Site. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.
NSA Members & Friends Gathering at Papa Moon Vineyards & Winery
6:30-9 p.m.
230975 County Road J, Scottsbluff
All are welcome to join NSA staff members for trivia, cider and wine, snacks and lively conversation. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit https://plantnebraska.org/wildflower-week to register.
Friday, June 7
Volunteer Planting at Riverside Discovery Center
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1600 S. Beltline Hwy. W, Scottsbluff
Volunteers will meet outside the zoo entrance and then join NSA staff to help beautify the zoo grounds with native plants. After the planting, volunteers are free to explore the zoo on their own. Email Chrissy Land at chrissyland@unl.edu to register for the volunteer planting.
Plant Talk & Guided Sunset Wildflower Hike at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
6:30-8:30 p.m.
210615 NE-71, Gering
Participants will meet at the Nature Center for a Plant Talk with Steve Rolfsmeier, director of the High Plains Herbarium at Chadron State College. A guided sunset wildflower hike will follow (approximately 45 minutes) with Rolfsmeier and NSA Horticulture Program Coordinator Bob Henrickson. Snacks
and water will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk over uneven terrain. A park permit is required for entry into Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (can be purchased at the entrance to the park). No registration required.
Saturday, June 8
NSA Plant Sale at Community Ever Green House
8:30 – 11 a.m.
1210 Overland Trails Rd., Gering
NSA will have a wide variety of native and well-adapted flowers, herbs and plants for sun and shade for sale. All proceeds support NSA’s programs, which create sustainable landscapes, gardens and green spaces across Nebraska.
Visit https://plantnebraska.org/wildflower-week for more information and maps for the various event locations.