FAIRBURY, Neb — The Fairbury Cemetery will soon see a major boost to its tree canopy, thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The city was selected as one of 13 communities moving forward with new tree-planting projects in the second quarter of 2025, as part of a statewide effort to revitalize and preserve Nebraska’s urban forests.

The grant will fund the planting of 50 trees in the cemetery over the next two years, with planting expected to begin as early as fall 2025 or spring 2026. Staff from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA) will assist the City of Fairbury with tree selection, project planning, and maintenance strategies.

“Community forests are a valuable and cherished part of every town,” said John Woodworth, Assistant Conservation Forester with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Forest Service. “Unfortunately, many of Nebraska's community forests are in decline. This grant allows us to strategically replant with quality, diverse trees that will strengthen the landscape for years to come.”

The Fairbury project follows on the heels of a previous NSA grant, which removed 24 dead or hazardous trees and added 74 tall shade trees across the city’s two largest parks. As with that effort, the cemetery project will prioritize native or well-adapted tall shade trees that offer the greatest benefits—such as wind reduction, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, and watershed protection.

The NSA’s community forestry grant program also aims to improve green stormwater infrastructure, protect urban watersheds, and promote workforce development by creating pathways into the tree care industry.

“We’re excited to partner with Fairbury again and help ensure that future generations inherit a healthy, diverse, and resilient tree canopy,” Woodworth added.

More information on the NSA’s Urban Community Forestry Grants can be found at plantnebraska.org.