An electrifying arboretum in Omaha is where one might least likely expect it to be located: adjacent to an electric power substation of the Omaha Power Public District utility company in the Maplewood Hills neighborhood west of downtown of the city.
An Electrifying Arboretum in Omaha — Literally.
The Omaha Power Public District Arboretum is more than simply a way to hide what would otherwise be an ugly electric power substation. It is also a recreation area which promotes beautification while educating customers to:
- See trees and shrubs that are recommended for use in southeastern Nebraska
- Understand safety issues which are associated with planting trees and shrubs around electric power lines and other electrical equipment
- Learn how trees and shrubs can conserve energy
Many different types of trees and shrubs are represented all along the pathways of the arboretum — such as red jewel crabapple trees, which were flowering at the time the above photograph was taken and were hiding the electric power substation in the background…
…complete with markers that identify the popular name of the tree or shrub — as well as its botanical name and its nickname. How tall and wide the tree or shrub is expected to grow when mature is also provided on the marker, which is useful information for anyone who would like to plant one on his or her property.
The gazebo is located between the formal garden and the electrical safety area of the arboretum, which is divided into a total of eleven sections.
In the wetlands section of the arboretum are paths on which one can walk under electric power lines and between the support poles.
While emphasizing the environment between both trees and electric power lines, the Omaha Power Public District Arboretum includes:
- Electrical Safety Education Area: Shows trimming methods used by the Forestry Department of the the Omaha Power Public District when pruning trees away from power lines. Also includes examples of species of trees and shrubs that can be planted adjacent to electric 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 the Omaha Power Public District uses to eliminate unwanted vegetation and promote the growth of desirable plants that attract wildlife.
- Shelterbelt, Wildlife, and Erosion-Control Plantings: This area contains tree and shrub plantings designed to attract wildlife. It also provides examples of conservation measures for erosion control and windbreaks.
- Formal Planting Area: Emphasizes planting the right tree in the right place to avoid future hazards between trees and electric power lines. 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 plantings and wetland plantings.
- Outdoor Classroom: Located in a forested area surrounded by native tree species and connected to a hard-surface trail system.
Final Boarding Call
I found the Omaha Power Public District Arboretum to be interesting, relaxing, and educational. That I was there on a beautiful sunny day was an even better experience for me.
Give yourself up to two hours to fully appreciate what the Omaha Power Public District Arboretum has to offer — although you can stay as long as you like.
Omaha Power Public District Arboretum
Northwest corner of Blondo Street and North 108 Street, just west of Interstate 680
Omaha, Nebraska 68164
The arboretum is open to the public between dawn and dusk. No admission is charged. Free parking is available. Toilets are also available. Benches are located within the arboretum along the pathways.
The Omaha Power Public District Arboretum is only one of several interesting things to do in the greater Omaha metropolitan area which you can do.
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
