University of Nebraska

D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum 

The Arboretum

Take the Tour

Master Plan

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum

Arbor Day Foundation

Return to Panhandle Research and Extension Center

Our History

The Arboretum was established in January, 1984 as the University of Nebraska Panhandle Arboretum.  The Arboretum was dedicated and formally recognized as an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in August of 1985.  In 1987 the Arboretum was awarded a generous endowment by the estate of D.A. Murphy.  Murphy was president of the L.B. Murphy Company Department Stores.  He was a third generation retailer and managed several stores in Nebraska and Wyoming.  D.A. Murphy was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and was a powerful force in the Panhandle for many years.  Business demands upon his time were endless however he still managed to take the time to develop a great appreciation of nature.  His gift to the Arboretum assures in perpetuity, his positive impact on nature in the Scottsbluff/Gering area. On April 4, 1997 the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum renewed the affiliation of the University of Nebraska D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum as a Master Arboretum.
 
 

Our Future

The D.A. Murphy Panhandle Arboretum is designed to allow for future development of named collections.  Sites are identified, plans are drawn and tree and shrub species are selected.  Donors, however, are still needed to support the cost of plant material for these collections.