The arboretum contains an educational walk with nine sign locations that discuss the plants found on the site, their biodiversity, and their uses by Indigenous Peoples and pioneers. The app is designed to provide additional information along the path as you walk from sign to sign, including an audio description, pictures and descriptions of plants you will likely see that may not be in season, and references to websites with detailed plant information. There is also a two-question optional quiz that covers the plants and information discussed between each of the sign locations.A few things to consider before you start the tour: this tour is focused on the spring months, but includes information that is also valuable for early spring and summer; in late summer and fall, a different tour will highlight seasonal changes in the fall months future app tours will include new plants, changes to the arboretum as it evolves, and information from historical and cultural perspectives the sidewalk is fully-accessible; paths off of the sidewalk may be mowed vegetation or mulch the full tour takes approximately 30-45 minutes; feel free to extend your time in the arboretum! planning for the arboretum started in 2022, and it remains an ever-changing resource as new plants are continually added and dead trees and invasive plants are continually removed depending on the season, there will always be something different and beautiful to see in the arboretum... so come back often!
Sign 1
Please read Sign 1, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 2.
Sign 2
Please read Sign 2, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 3.
Sign 3
Please read Sign 3, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 4.
Sign 4
Please read Sign 4, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 5.
Sign 5
Please read Sign 5, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 6.
Sign 6
Please read Sign 6, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 7.
Sign 7
Please read Sign 7, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 8.
Sign 8
Please read Sign 8, then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions during your walk to Sign 9.
Sign 9
Please read Sign 9, and then listen to the audio and check out the additional plant pictures and quiz questions as you return to the arboretum entrance.Before you leave, thanks again for visiting our arboretum and outdoor classroom! Please come back any time (and invite others as well!) to be restored by a walk in nature, and to learn more about the plants and animals that live here.
Additional Plant Info.
The following websites provide a wide variety of additional information on regional plants, sustainable landscape principles, and home landscape ideas that can enhance biodiversity and beauty while minimizing maintenance.
NFS Tree Plotter Inventory
The image below shows current inventory progress on the Westview Arboretum. The arboretum is one of over 150 communities and sites across Nebraska that are included in the inventory to better understand the health and community benefits provided by urban forests in Nebraska. Westview's inventory is being coordinated by Graham Herbst, NE Community Forester. Tree species, size, and relative health information for all major trees on the site will be collected that will provide a basis for calculating the ecosystem services that trees provide. Some of these services include stormwater management, air quality enhancement, heat island moderation, and carbon storage.Students will help collect this information, and then use it to enhance their understanding of the tangible benefits that nature can provide in moderating urban conditions and enhancing our quality-of-life.
