Nebraska Forest Service

06/01/2026

It's our favorite week of the year! Ok, maybe we have more than one favorite week, but Nebraska Wildflower Week is right up there! We have SO many fun things happening this week as we head west to hang out in Chadron, Scottsbluff and Gering. Think sunset wildflower hikes, plant sales, plant talks, social gatherings, trivia, and more -- all free, all open to the public. We want to get to know you! Check out all our western Nebraska Wildflower Week events, plus other events happening statewide with our partners. https://plantnebraska.org/resources-events/events/wildflowers.html Yay for flowers!

06/01/2026

Applications for the Nebraska Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program are now open!

This cost-share program helps Nebraska volunteer fire departments in communities of less than 10,000 people acquire equipment, prevention materials and training needed to fight wildland fires. Grants provide reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible project costs. That includes two-way radios, protective clothing, breathing apparatus, and/or firefighting equipment.

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your department's wildland fire response capabilities. The deadline to apply is by 10 PM CDT on July 16th.

Learn more and apply: go.unl.edu/vfa

05/31/2026

NFS-managed single engine air tanker (SEAT) bases are now coordinating aerial applicator drops on the fires in Harrison and Valentine

05/31/2026

Nebraska Forest Service staff is en route, responding to two fires happening now in Harrison (pictured here) and in Valentine. Much of western and central Nebraska remain in “very high” fire danger. If you’ve done any pile burning in the past week, go check to make sure it’s really out! Photo courtesy: Rick Arnold, CAP Flight.

05/27/2026

Fire danger will be elevated across much of Nebraska today, especially in western and central portions of the state where “high” to “very high” rangeland fire danger is expected this afternoon. Nebraska alone accounts for roughly half of all wildfires in the US so far this year, making today a good reminder to use extra caution with any outdoor burning. If you have been or plan on doing pile burning, now is the time to stay vigilant. And if you have burned recently, continue checking those piles to make sure they are completely out. Dry, windy conditions can quickly reignite lingering heat.

05/26/2026

Hope you’re having a tree-rrific Tuesday!

Did you know the black walnut is one of the hardiest and most adaptable nut trees that can be grown in Nebraska? Native to much of the central and eastern U.S., black walnut trees can thrive for decades with very little care once established. They also provide excellent shade and produce one of the most valuable hardwoods in the country.

Fun fact: In the late 1970s, a single black walnut tree in Ohio sold for an incredible $35,000!

05/22/2026

Did you know some trees attract pollinators both day and night? The northern catalpa uses colorful blooms to guide daytime pollinators, then releases a sweet fragrance after dark to attract moths and other nocturnal species. Learn how this unique tree supports biodiversity across Nebraska’s landscapes in this new article by Nebraska Forest Service Assistant Community Forester John Woodworth. Find the article in the "comments" section

UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

05/20/2026

Please join us in thanking Nebraska State Forester John Erixson for his dedicated leadership and service over the past nine years as State Forester. John will retire this October after a career committed to Nebraska’s forests, communities, and wildfire preparedness efforts.

Last week, the Council of Western State Foresters, along with the Arbor Day Foundation, recognized John during its annual conference held in Nebraska City. As part of that recognition, an eastern white pine was planted in tribute to his lasting impact on forestry and conservation in Nebraska and beyond.

Thank you, John, for your years of service and commitment to the people and natural resources of Nebraska.

05/19/2026

Interested in renovating an aging windbreak? Join the free Windbreak Renovation Workshop hosted by the Upper Big Blue NRD and Nebraska Forest Service on June 24 in York, Nebraska. Learn about the renovation process, follow-up tree care, available cost-share assistance and get your questions answered by experts. Refreshments will be provided.

📍 Upper Big Blue NRD Office
319 E. 25th Street, York, NE
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Pre-register by June 17: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VO0Ask0tH0Oa4nKz-faR9pwZRCk3XGBBlovI6daX2_5UM1hYUDdNMkgyUlZPVTc2T0xZNTI1MVZHOC4u&origin=QRCode

05/18/2026

“These large bouts of drought that extend for a long time really do cause some issues with trees across Nebraska,” said Nebraska Forest Service Forest Health Specialist Jennifer Morris.

As most of western and central Nebraska faces historic drought, the state’s tree experts are concerned drought could proliferate disease and pest concerns. Dry vegetation and trees also compound wildfire risk.