How it All Started

In the summer of 2024, Omaha and its neighboring cities experienced unprecedented tree damage from two catastrophic storms. A tornadic event and a powerful storm with straight-line winds and hail devastated tens of thousands of trees, impacting the city’s iconic tree canopy. In response, the Replant Omaha Initiative was born—an ambitious effort to restore what was lost and reimagine the city’s tree canopy future.

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The American Reforestation Initiative (ARI) is partnering with the City of Omaha, the Arbor Day Foundation, the Papio-Missouri River NRD, and regional businesses to lead this monumental replanting effort. Following storm cleanup throughout 2024 and early 2025, the program will officially launch in spring 2025 with tree distribution events. Over the next decade, the initiative aims to restore 25,000 trees to Omaha’s canopy, laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient city for the next 100 years.

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Transforming Omaha’s Future, One Tree at a Time

This initiative isn’t just about replacing lost trees—it’s about revitalizing Omaha’s neighborhoods and enhancing the community’s quality of life. The new trees will provide critical benefits, including:

• Windbreaks to protect homes and property.

• Shade to reduce energy costs and offer relief during hot Nebraska summers.

• Improved air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen.

• Habitat for wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.

• Increased property values and beautification of residential areas.

 

The program prioritizes planting high-quality shade trees in residential spaces. By using 7-gallon trees grown in root control bags, the initiative ensures these young trees are well-suited to withstand Nebraska’s weather extremes. This thoughtful approach guarantees that donor contributions are used effectively to create a lasting impact.

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Empowering the Community with Education

A key component of the Replant Omaha Initiative is education. Homeowners who sign up for a free tree will be required to complete a series of educational videos on proper tree planting and care. This ensures that every tree has the best chance to thrive, contributing to Omaha’s green canopy for generations to come.

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Beyond replanting trees, this initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the vital role trees play in our lives. By engaging the community, we can transform the devastating storms of 2024 into an opportunity for growth, renewal, and a brighter, greener future for Omaha.

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Together, we can rebuild the Omaha skyline—one tree at a time.