OPPD Arboretum

OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area

• See trees and shrubs recommended for use in southeast Nebraska
• Understand safety issues associated with planting trees and shrubs around power lines other electrical equipment
• Learn how trees and shrubs can conserve energy 

Arboretum Location and Features

The arboretum is located at 108th and Blondo streets in Omaha, adjacent to an OPPD substation. The arboretum is open to the public from dawn till dusk. It offers a variety of resources for visitors of all ages.

While emphasizing the tree/power line environment, the arboretum includes:

• Electrical Safety Education Area: Shows trimming methods used by OPPD's Forestry Department when pruning trees away from power lines. Also includes examples of tree/shrub species that can be planted adjacent to power lines.
• Substation Overlook: Signs on a knoll overlooking the substation point out the parts of the substation and explain and how each part functions.
• Transmission Line Demonstration: Walk through a transmission right-of-way to see the vegetation-management practices OPPD uses to eliminate unwanted vegetation.
• Shelterbelt Plantings: This area provides examples of conservation measures for erosion-control and windbreaks.
• Wildlife, Native Grass and Wildflower Plantings: Transitioning conventional lawn into native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers can provide valuable habitat for wildlife while reducing mowing, fertilizer and water use.
• Formal Planting Area: Emphasizes planting the right tree in the right place to avoid future tree/power line hazards. In this collection of trees and shrubs, you can see the types of trees that can be planted adjacent to power lines. Also includes groupings of native Nebraska trees, a conifer collection and lowland/wetland plantings.
• Outdoor Classroom: Located in a forested area surrounded by native tree species and connected to a hard-surface trail system.

Arboretum Tour