Nebraska Roots and A Legacy of Trees

Trees have been used throughout the world to commemorate major events. Trees represent life, hope and strength. Their deep roots and strong branches remind us that, as a community and as a company, we are resilient and hopeful. 

FBG officially turned 60 on September 13, 2020, but we chose the 2021 Spring planting season to honor that milestone. 

Partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, Great Plains Nursery and the Urban Nature Alliance, 70 diverse shade trees were selected to fit into the neighborhood where many FBG employees live, work, learn and play. 

This historic south Omaha boulevard, 24th street, is a revitalized business district in one of the oldest neighborhoods with many diverse residents and businesses. Sustaining the urban forest changes the landscape for the better and our trees were placed in areas where the tree canopy was old and dying, diseased due to Emerald Ash Borer or in front of homes that have never had trees. 

Over 40 local FBG employees volunteered to participate as well as FBG board members, former Mayor Jim Suttle and University of Nebraska at Omaha Assistant Vice Chancellor and political science professor Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado. The owners of Great Plains nursery demonstrated how to plant a healthy tree. We are thankful to all the volunteers who participated, we could not have planted these trees without you! 

For years to come, these shade trees will reduce heat island effect and cool the ground up to 20-30 degrees. They will give walkers shade and will act as a buffer from noise and wind. Trees give us oxygen, absorb air pollution and improve air quality so we can breathe clean air. Trees beautify a neighborhood and give us a sense of pride of place. 

This improved tree canopy is FBG’s legacy to the city that founded us, and it is our thank you to all who helped us grow and become caring stewards of our great community.