|
Return to Panhandle Research and
Extension Center |
Our Program
Audience
Although the D.A. Murphy Arboretum benefits much of western Nebraska,
its principle audience lies primarily in four key areas: 1) staff and daily
visitors of the University of Nebraska and State Office Complex, 2) Extension
Educators, Master Gardeners and others in the region involved with horticulture
related activities; 3) homeowners of the Scottsbluff/Gering area; and 4)
school children from throughout the Panhandle.
Use of the Arboretum by school groups has increased significantly in
recent years. Schools from as far away as Sidney, Kimball and Alliance
have sent teachers and students to the Arboretum for hands-on learning
activities. Because of such a high demand from schools, the Research and
Extension Center recently implemented a program that trains Master Gardeners
and other volunteers to lead tour groups through the Arboretum.
Goals and Objectives
Site Development Goal: The D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum
will be a physically attractive landscape that is a major attraction for
local and out-of-town visitors.
The Arboretum will serve as an area for enjoying the benefits of
nature.
Future landscape improvements will continue to reflect the high-quality
design, materials and implementation evident in the existing landscape.
The Arboretum Committee should be encouraged to continue planning
and implementing landscape improvement projects as time and resources allow.
Design professionals of NSA will be available to assist with planning
and design for future landscape improvement projects.
The landscape will continue to complement the rugged natural beauty
of the area.
The landscape will continue to unify the campus buildings and other
site features.
Consistent and attractive signs will continue to be developed.
A concept will be developed to better utilize the Arboretum for health
and fitness activities associated with the Centers Nursing Program.
Collections Goal: The Arboretum will continue to display
a diverse collection of plants appropriate for the site and the mission
of the Arboretum.
Emphasis will be placed on low-maintenance plants that are adaptable
to the region and available to the general public.
Plant material will not detract from natural beauty of the surrounding
landscape.
Functional plant groups to be considered for expansion will include:
evergreen trees, native and well-adapted shrubs for general landscape use
as well as for wildlife habitat; under-utilized flowering perennials and
other herbaceous ornamentals; Xeriscape appropriate plants; and drought
tolerant shade and ornamental trees, among others.
Plants considered potentially invasive to area eco-systems will be
avoided.
Education Goal: The Arboretum will continue to serve as
an educational resource for the entire Panhandle of Nebraska.
The Arboretum will continue to demonstrate sound, low maintenance
landscaping procedures including good design, proper cultural practices
and appropriate choice of plant material.
The Arboretum will help demonstrate scientific, ecological, recreational
and commercial purposes of plants.
The Arboretum will serve to encourage tree planting and landscape
improvements in Panhandle communities, especially the Scottsbluff-Gering
area.
Plant material will be appropriately labeled for easy identification.
Emphasis will be placed on educational activities appropriate to
area school-children. The Arboretum will continue to be publicized to
Panhandle media resources including newspaper, television and radio stations.
A site brochure will continue to be made available to visitors and
will be updated as necessary.
The Arboretum will continue to demonstrate conservation plantings
including plant material available through the Clarke-McNary Program.
Maintenance Goal: The Arboretum will serve as a model
for proper landscape maintenance.
High quality maintenance of the existing collections and other site
features will be stressed.
The Arboretum will demonstrate desirable cultural practices including
planting, mulching, irrigation, pruning and weed and pest control.
Emphasis will be placed on low-input maintenance techniques including
reduced irrigation and chemical use and greater biological control.
The Arboretum will demonstrate turf maintenance practices that are
compatible with tree, shrub and other landscape plantings.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices will be incorporated into
the maintenance routine.
Whenever possible, plantings will be maintained in natural form.
Excessive pruning, topping and shearing will be avoided.
Plants will continue to be mulched regularly and plant groups will
be mulched en masse to reduce mowing and trimming needs.
Management, Funding and Volunteer Support Goal: The Arboretum
will be properly managed to ensure long-term success.
The Arboretum Committee will continue to serve as the primary coordinating
body for the Arboretum.
The Arboretum Committee will serve as a cooperative bridge between
the State Office Facility and the Research and Extension Center.
The Arboretum Committee will include representatives from both campus
facilities, as well as a campus maintenance representative.
Efforts to attract additional physical and financial support will
continue.
The strong volunteer program will be continued and enhanced as necessary.
Donations for general development and maintenance will be encouraged.
Annual recognition (awards) of volunteers and financial donors will
be considered. |