For Arbor Day, Planting Milkweed May Be More Beneficial to Ecosystem Than Planting Trees

As the state celebration of Arbor Day approaches this Friday, one of the largest forests in Nebraska is encouraging people to plant milkweed – not just trees.

Fontenelle Forest, located outside of Bellevue, is advocating for the growth of milkweed and other native plants of Nebraska this Arbor Day. Milkweed, a common flower across the state, can be more beneficial to an ecosystem than some trees, which may be invasive and disruptive to other native plants surrounding them.

Michelle Foss, who is the manager of stewardship and research with Fontenelle Forest, said the forest isn’t calling for people to not plant trees; just to be mindful of what you’re planting and where.

“When you are adding things to your yard or garden, just check real quick to see if it is native or at least non-invasive so you’re not causing problems later on down the line," Foss said.

From now through the end of Arbor Day, Fontenelle Forest is distributing free milkweed plants to all visitors.