Hello members and friends. How are you doing? How is it February already? I say this every year, but I could really use two Januaries. If you’ve been following the Statewide Arboretum for a while, you know that I don’t typically provide broad organizational updates outside of our member newsletters (Leafings) and our annual magazine (The Seed). I prefer to let our good work do the talking. But it’s been a wild few weeks, and I’ve received many questions about how some of the state and federal actions are affecting NSA and what you can do as members to support us. As the information we are receiving changes day to day, an updatable online format seemed best.
First and foremost, NSA is a healthy and thriving organization. Thanks to you—our members, donors, friends and business partners—our operating costs are covered privately and not supported by state or federal dollars. This provides us with stability in uncertain times. We are grateful for your ongoing support, which allows our staff to have confidence in their positions and to continue leading the state in green infrastructure work.
At this time, we have two project funding sources connected to the federal government: one with the National Parks Service, which was scheduled to conclude in March 2025 when we formed the partnership, and one with the US Forest Service, which is just beginning. Like many of you, we are actively following the decisions being made by the Trump administration and by the Nebraska Unicameral, particularly those that pertain to our work. Keep in mind, we’ve been through many, many federal, state and University administrative changes, and there is always some transition and confusion in the beginning. Eventually things level out. We’ve weathered those periods of flux, and we’ll weather this one. While acknowledging that we always experience some uncertainty during transitions, I also want to recognize that this transition has been out of the ordinary and upsets long-standing precedent.
At the time I write this (February 12, 2025), we have not received notification that we need to stop work on either of our federally funded projects. So, we will move forward as planned and put the funds to good use as we said we would in our funding agreements. If we are told to stop work, we will do as directed and communicate the change to anyone who must comply. We expect any work stoppage to be temporary. While it may slow us down, we will hit the ground running when we can begin work again.
It is easy during uncertain times to have no idea what to do next. I find that focusing on the things I can do rather than the things I can’t control always helps me feel better. How you support our mission to Plant Nebraska is something you can control! Here are a few options to consider:
- Become a member if you aren’t one yet. It’s so easy! Join here.
- Donate and encourage others to donate as well. Like I said, we’re in a good position, but the margins are tight, and we always have projects we would like to fund but are unable to. You can give right now here. You can also create a planned gift by including us in your will or estate plans. You can sponsor an event to help offset our costs and show our members that your business values the work we do. And if you're on Facebook, create a fundraiser right there on the platform; here’s how. Want to celebrate someone’s accomplishment or memorialize them, we can help with that, too.
- Help us spread the word! Share our social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube). Tell your friends why you are a member. Bring your neighbor to Spring Affair. We’re always looking for new friends who like what we do. We need you to help us tell the story of our good, green work.
- Get active in your community. Our latest edition of The Seed is all about advocacy and what you can do at home to make a difference. Check it out!
- Join our board. We are looking for passionate members to join our Board of Directors to help guide the organization and support the staff. Our board plays a pivotal role in our governance, fundraising and strategic planning. You can apply and get more information here.
Please know that we appreciate all the support you offer us. From kind notes sent via email and posts shared on Instagram to memberships faithfully renewed and your attendance at our events, it all gives us joy to know you appreciate our work. I will provide additional updates as needed. In the meantime, we’ll keep planning and planting, because that’s what we do best. Thank you for being part of our network!
