In celebration of Arbor Day 2021, State Senator Julie Slama will read Governor Pete Ricketts Arbor Day Proclamation during an April 30, 2021 9:00 a.m. tree planting ceremony on the southeast lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.  Robert C. Ripley, Administrator of the Office of the Capitol Commission will emcee the ceremony which will be attended by the Nebraska Forest Service, the Arbor Day Foundation, the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, and the Nebraska City Tourism Commission. Following brief introductions at 9:00 a.m. Nebraska State Deputy Forester Steven Jara will provide information about Forest Service’s activities during the past year. Arbor Day Foundation Program Manager Alana Tucker will share information on their activities during the past year of socially distanced tree planting and Amy Allgood with the Nebraska City Tourism Commission will introduce Nebraska City’s plans for their year-long celebration of 150 Arbor Days.  At the conclusion of the program Senator Slama will read the Governor’s Arbor Day Proclamation and then ceremonially plant a Heritage birch tree in accordance with Capitol Landscape Ernst Herminghaus original Capitol Landscape plan.

The landscaped grounds of the Capitol are part of the Capitol’s National Landmark designation and this year marks the first year the restoration of Herminghaus Courtyard Landscape is complete and blooming.