The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum will host the following events in western Nebraska in celebration of Nebraska Wildflower Week, which is June 1-8, a statewide initiative that shines the spotlight on Nebraska’s unique and diverse native wildflower species.
All events are free and open to the public; more information is available online. The Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association sponsors the arboretum's Wildflower Week events.
Volunteer planting in the village of Morrill will be from 6-8 p.m. June 4 at F.O.M.O. Park, 30436 Lucille Ave. Meet at the marquee in F.O.M.O. Park to help beautify the park and the ballfield area with native flowers and grasses. Visit the event's website to sign up to volunteer.
A wildflower hike at Chimney Rock will be from 9-11 a.m. June 5 at 9822 County Rd 75 in Bayard. Meet at the Chimney Rock Museum parking lot for the guided wildflower hike with the arboretum. After the hike, participants can explore the museum ($8 admission fee). Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks; restrooms are available at the Chimney Rock Museum. No registration required.
A Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Members & Friends Gathering will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. also June 5 at Papa Moon Vineyards & Winery, 230975 County Road J in Scottsbluff. All are welcome to join arboretum staff members for plant and nature trivia, cider and wine, snacks and great conversation. Arboretum members (or those who become members at the event) will receive a complimentary glass of wine or cider. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit online to register.
A ribbon-cutting for the Scotts Bluff County Pollinator Garden will start at 10 a.m. at the Scotts Bluff County Courthouse, 1725 10th St. in Gering. Celebrate the opening of this beautiful pollinator garden planted by local 4-H students and master gardeners.
A plant talk & guided sunset wildflower hike will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, 210615 NE-71 in Gering. Meet at the Nature Center for the plant talk with Bob Henrickson, a horticulture coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. A sunset hike of approximately 45 minutes with Amanda Filipi of Nebraska Game & Parks will follow the plant talk. Snacks and water will be provided; please wear comfortable shoes. A park permit is required for entry into Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (available for purchase at the park entrance). No registration is required to attend this event.
The Nebraska State Arboretum Plant Sale will be from 8:30-11 a.m. on June 7 at the Community Ever Green House, 1210 Overland Trails Rd. in Gering. The arboretum will have a wide variety of native and well-adapted flowers, herbs and plants for sun and shade for sale. All proceeds support the arboretum's programs, which create sustainable landscapes, gardens and green spaces across Nebraska. Current members get a 15% discount on all plant purchases.
Nebraska Wildflower Week, June 1-8, is a statewide celebration of the beauty and resilience of Nebraska’s native wildflowers. Visit the website for a complete list of events and more information, including directions, maps, printable bookmarks and activities.
