D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum 

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Access: The D.A. Murphy Arboretum is accessed from the main entry point into the University of Nebraska Complex off of Highway 71. Parking is available east and south of the Complex which affords quick access to most of the Arboretum display areas. 

Climate: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 4. When comparing the climate of western Nebraska with that of the eastern part of the state, the differences quickly become apparent: 

• Precipitation - Whereas southeastern Nebraska averages over 35” of precipitation annually, the Scottsbluff area averages less than 18 inches. Of this, only 11” falls as rain during the growing season. 

• Humidity - The humidity is much lower in western Nebraska, which can have both positive and negative effects on certain species of landscape plants. 

• Temperature fluctuations are also more pronounced in the Panhandle. Daytime temperatures can be equal to or greater than those in the eastern part of the state, while night-time temperatures are usually 5 to 10 degrees cooler. The spring and fall are especially prone to fluctuations with the temperature sometimes dropping over 50 degrees in less than a day. Throughout the year, temperatures can vary from above 100°F in the summer to 30° below zero or colder during the winter. 

• Although the entire state can be very windy, the winds in the Panhandle are typically more intense and more frequent. The desiccating winter winds are especially tough on landscape plants. These weather extremes combine to give the Panhandle a drier and wilder climate than that of eastern Nebraska. Its affects on landscape plants is significant and cannot be ignored when planning and developing arboretums and other landscape improvements. 

Soils: The original soil upon which the J.G. Elliot and the State Office Complex buildings rest was a tripp very fine sandy loam, with 0 to 1 percent slopes. Soil Capability when irrigated is class 1. 

This unit consists of deep, well-drained soils that have medium-textured or moderately fine textured surface layer. Texture of the subsoil ranges from moderately fine to moderately coarse. The substratum is also variable in texture. These soils are nearly level and have not been appreciably eroded. They are on high bottoms, stream terraces, broad alluvial fans, and uplands. 

Most soils in this unit absorb water at a rate of about 1 inch per hour. Their water-holding capacity is medium and they release water readily to plants. These soils are easily worked, and their limitations are few in irrigated areas. Runoff is slow, but runoff from high lying soils sometimes covers the surface and stands for a short time before it soaks in. 

This tripp very fine sandy loam soil rests four to five feet below the existing grade that surrounds the J.G. Elliot Building and the State Office building complex as well as all entrance roads and parking lots. Unconglomerate soils from various sources were hauled in, moistened then disced, followed by sheep footing. There is a five to six inch layer of non-compacted soil on the surface that supports turf as long as it is watered twice a week.

Originally with deciduous trees we dug down to the original soil level and created a sump effect losing every tree transplanted. More recently we have been successful hauling in soil that has been back-hoed out of the irrigation ditches in the area to form soil berms. Again we are dealing with an unconglomerate soil. 

To date ninety percent of the landscape soils in the Arboretum that we have worked with since 1974 are unconglomerate hauled-in soils. 

Existing Vegetation: The vegetation of the D.A. Murphy Arboretum has changed significantly over time. The original short-grass prairie disappeared shortly after the area was settled and agricultural activities took off in the late 1800’s. Agricultural crops were grown on the site until Hiram Scott College was built in the 1960’s. At that time, a few shade and evergreen trees were planted, but much of the landscape was converted to bluegrass lawn, as was typical with most campus settings at the time. 

Since the site was converted to use as a research and extension center in the early 1970’s, significant vegetative changes have taken place. One of the primary goals of the Arboretum committee has been to gradually replace much of the bluegrass lawn with landscaped areas of trees, shrubs and herbaceous ornamentals. The result has been a gradual change from a turf dominated landscape to one that is much more diverse. Some of the more significant components of this landscape include: 

• A greater diversity of trees and shrubs throughout the campus. As many of these plantings mature, the landscape is becoming even more refined. In fact several “Pockets of Pleasure” have evolved where maturing trees have created more intimate (enclosed) spaces. Education activities are often concentrated in these areas where visitors are encouraged to explore nature. 

• Landscape improvements around the building have made outdoor seating areas more enjoyable by bringing plants closer to the people who use the site. Extensive use of railroad ties as a construction element has helped give the landscape continuity and refinement. 

• The landscaped seating area in the south courtyard has been a significant addition. A fabulous view of Scottsbluff Monument is found here. 

• Trails West Iris Collection located north of the main parking area along the entrance drive, is now a hallmark of the landscape. Over 135 varieties of iris’ are maintained by the members of the Trails West Iris Society headquartered in Scottsbluff. 

• Research and demonstration plots are located near the Iris collection. Included here is the Nuland Groundcover collection as well as a variety demonstrations of turf grasses. 

• A native grass prairie area is now located just inside the main entrance.

• Xeriscape demonstration area located adjacent to the southwest parking lot. This area is devoted to native and adapted plants that can survive, after establishment, with only naturally occurring precipitation. Rabbitbrush, mountain mahogany, sumac and Gaillardia are a few of the plants included here. 

Educational Activities: The potential for education drives much of the landscape development activities at the D.A. Murphy Arboretum. Plant labeling, public tours, publications, newspaper articles and other media attention are a few of the ways the Arboretum’s message has been conveyed to Panhandle residents. 

In the last few years, a greater effort has been made to attract school groups from around the region to the Arboretum. These efforts proved so successful that a training program was implemented so that even more volunteers from the Panhandle Master Gardener program would be available to lead tour groups. The Arboretum’s primary purpose in attracting school groups is not so much to educate children about certain plants or landscaping activities, but rather to convey a greater appreciation for all of the natural environment.

Management and Funding: Ultimate authority for management of the grounds of the D.A. Murphy Arboretum rests with the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center. An Arboretum Committee functions well as an advisory group that bridges the separate management authorities, allowing for better communication, planning and development. 

Curator duties are split between two people. Stanley Haas, the Research Center’s Communications Specialist, coordinates many of the planning activities for the arboretum and directs much of its promotion and educational activities. Dave Nuland, the Center’s Extension Horticulturist, works to develop many of the landscape displays and recommends much of the Arboretum’s plant material. 

Funding for routine maintenance of the Arboretum, including turf care, comes from the Facilities Management Department. Three full-time people assist with the care of the grounds. Volunteer workdays have become a common tool to help with development and upkeep of many of the Arboretum display areas. Volunteers include staff of the Research and Extension Center, master gardeners, and other plant enthusiasts from the area. In 1987, a generous endowment fund was established to assist with Arboretum activities. These funds have become a valuable resource for the purchase of plants, supplies and construction materials.