CITY OF LYONS AWARDED $256,580 COMMUNITY FORESTRY INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FROM PLANTNEBRASKA
2/25/2026
Lyons, Neb. 2/25/26– The City of Lyons was recently awarded a $256,580 Community Forestry Infrastructure grant from PlantNebraska. The grant was part of $10 million in grant funds awarded to PlantNebraska in 2024 by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program.
The goal of the grant program is to improve Nebraska’s community forestry infrastructure by supporting tree removal, care and planting to preserve tree canopy cover; protecting, enhancing and increasing access to watersheds in urban and development areas by focusing on conserving and managing community forests and green stormwater infrastructure; and improving workforce development in the tree care industry by providing pathways for high school students, creating job training programs and connecting newly trained professionals with local tree care companies.
Lyons will use the grant funds to remove dead, diseased, and hazardous trees—many impacted by Emerald Ash Borer—while planting new, diverse tree species to restore and strengthen the community canopy. Funding will also support tree pruning, supplies, staff support, and maintenance to ensure healthier, more resilient trees for the future.
“We are so pleased to be able to award this grant to the City of Lyons, which will profoundly impact the well-being of residents in Lyons,” said PlantNebraska Executive Director Hanna Pinneo. “This significant investment will yield important, long-term results. We are proud to partner with the City of Lyons to support a greener future.”
“This grant is a big win for the Lyons community,” said Whitney Anderson, City Clerk. “Because this funding requires no local match, it significantly reduces the financial burden on our taxpayers. With the support of PlantNebraska and the dedication of our Tree Board, we’re addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other hazardous trees while, most importantly, planting new trees that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
For more information about PlantNebraska’s Community Forestry Infrastructure grants, including eligibility requirements and information about the grant application process, visit plantnebraska.org/ucf-grants