04/24/2026
Happy Arbor Day 🌳
Right here in Nebraska, J. Sterling Morton had a simple but powerful idea back in 1872… set aside one day to plant trees and invest in the future. What started on his birthday, April 22, has grown into a nationwide tradition now celebrated on the last Friday in April.
Today in La Vista, we enjoyed gorgeous weather as we celebrated with a special Lunch & Learn at Central Park, where Pat Lodes from our Parks and Rec Advisory Committee gave a speech and Mayor Doug Kindig read the Arbor Day proclamation. Earlier this morning, he also planted a tree at his own home to celebrate, leading by example in the best way.
La Vista has proudly been a Tree City USA community since 1992, marking our 35th year receiving that designation 🌱
A big thank you to our Parks and Public Works Departments for organizing such a meaningful event and working so hard to keep our parks this nice. We also got to hear from Jason, Superintendent of the Parks Department, who shared some great insights while presenting today’s Bur Oak Tree planting. Fun fact, a bur oak tree’s root system can grow two to three times wider than the tree itself. These trees are incredibly resilient, even surviving fires, and they serve as a vital source of habitat and food for wildlife.
It was especially meaningful to see a local La Vista elementary school 2nd grade class there, learning, participating, and getting their hands in the dirt. The kids even got to help plant the tree themselves, each taking turns adding dirt to the hole, such a simple moment, but one they’ll remember.
Even more exciting, our Youth Council secured a $3,000 grant to plant additional trees right here in our city. New trees will soon take root along Thompson Creek and throughout Central Park.
Moments like this are a reminder that building a better future doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in small, intentional actions, planting roots, investing in our parks, preserving nature, and creating spaces where the next generation can grow and thrive.
That’s the kind of future I believe in for La Vista 🌿
