NORFOLK - The City of Norfolk is continuing its initiative to plant more trees in the community.

The City was recently awarded a Nebraska EAB recovery grant, which promotes tree recovery efforts with the impending effects of the emerald ash borer. Norfolk Tree Advisory Board Chairman Stan Staab says while the borer hasn't been seen in the Norfolk area, its impacts have been reported elsewhere in the state.

"I know we have cases in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont, and I know in Lincoln they've actually taken out a lot of trees that were on public property already, so it's very much a concern for our area, and we're trying to get ahead of it," Staab said. 

With the grant, the City is providing 239 free trees to be distributed out to the public. A distribution event will be taking place at Johansen Greenhouse from April 25th - April 30th for anyone interested in picking up a tree to plant.

Those who would like a tree are encouraged to call City staff at 402-844-2010, or can fill out on application here: https://norfolkne.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/tree-advisory-board/free-tree-distribution.html. The event will be first come, first served, but plans are in place for another tree distribution later this fall.

The event goes hand-in-hand with the City of Norfolk's "2020 in 2020" initiative, which aims to plant 2,020 trees throughout the year.

"What we're trying to do is build diversity through tree-planting in the community, so instead of having all oak or sycamore trees, you have less of a chance for disease if you have a variety of different trees," Staab said.

The following is a list of the 13 varieties of trees which will be distributed at the event:

- Butternut

- Northern Catalpa

- Pecan

- Thornless Honeylocust

- American Sycamore

- White Oak

- Shingle Oak

- Bur Oak

- Chestnut Oak

- Red Oak

- Littleleaf Linden

- Silver Linden

- Princeton American Elm