On Saturday, volunteers from the nonprofit Keep Omaha Beautiful joined city officials and private donors to plant 112 native trees at Fontenelle Park and Adams Park in Omaha. The effort is a key component of the organization’s Trees for Tomorrow program, which aims to plant more than 250 trees across the city this fall.
Community partnership drives the planting
The tree‑planting event reflects a collaborative partnership between Keep Omaha Beautiful, the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department, and local businesses that contributed funding and supplies. By working together, the partners hope to enhance the city’s green canopy, improve air quality, and provide new habitats for wildlife.
Volunteers and families get hands‑on
Among the volunteers was Paulina Gonzalez, a board member of Keep Omaha Beautiful, who arrived with her family to help dig and set the saplings. Gonzalez explained that the new trees will support local birds, squirrels, and beneficial insects, adding that the project “really supports the environment and helps clean the air with oxygen.”
Why native trees matter
Planting native species is a strategic choice because they are well‑adapted to Nebraska’s climate and soil conditions. Native trees require less water and maintenance than non‑native varieties, making them a cost‑effective way for the city to expand its urban forest. In addition, a healthier tree canopy can lower summer temperatures, reduce storm‑water runoff, and provide shade for park visitors.
Looking ahead: the Trees for Tomorrow goal
Keep Omaha Beautiful’s Trees for Tomorrow program set a target of more than 250 trees for the fall season. The 112 trees planted on Saturday bring the initiative past the halfway mark. Future planting sites include streetscapes, additional park locations, and school grounds throughout Omaha, ensuring that children will grow up surrounded by greener, healthier environments.
How residents can get involved
Community members who wish to support the tree‑planting effort can donate through Keep Omaha Beautiful’s website or volunteer at upcoming planting events. The organization also encourages local businesses to sponsor trees, which are marked with a small plaque recognizing the donor’s contribution.
Environmental impact for Omaha families
Beyond the immediate visual improvement, the new trees are expected to provide long‑term benefits for Omaha families. Increased canopy cover can improve air quality, which is especially important for children and seniors with respiratory sensitivities. Moreover, the added green space offers more opportunities for outdoor recreation and education about nature.
As the city moves toward its broader sustainability goals, initiatives like Trees for Tomorrow demonstrate how faith‑based values, traditional family stewardship, and individual liberty to volunteer can come together to strengthen the community and protect God‑given creation.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
