Members of Summerland Public School's FFA chapter got first-hand experience in forestry, Monday, Oct. 2.

Students added 10 new trees to school property, near the FFA corn test plot and track-and-field areas.

The trees are part of the Ten Free Trees Progam, an effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

James Ramold, Ewing village chairman and a school employee, applied for the grant. Ramold, along with instructor Jacob Goldfuss, assisted students with planting.

According to program officials, most Nebraska community forests have been in steady and sometimes dramatic decline, despite providing a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. Challenges include extreme weather, insects, disease and lack of diversity.

The emerald ash borer is another challenge added to the list.

In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Free Trees Program grants up to 10 high quality trees for tree-related educational events and community celebrations promoting trees and fall planting.

Courtesy Photo

Green thumbs Parker Napier digs a hole and plants a tree, while Carter Bergman adds mulch and water. Ten trees were added, Monday, at Summerland School.

Additionally, programs include increasing appreciation and awareness of the value of community forests in Nebraska. Special emphasis is placed on species diversity and higher impact projects, especially street tree planting and projects in neighborhoods of highest need.

Ten Free Trees is supported by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's Tress for Nebraska Towns Initiative funded by Nebraska Environmental Trust and a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant received by the Nebraska Forest Service.

Last year, Ramold also applied for the program, with the school receiving 10 trees, which line the west entrance driveway.

Elementary students, teachers and maintenance personnel assisted with the 2022 project.