Friends of Nebraska's forests: we need your help! ** We have resources, including email and phone scripts and senator contact info, on our website for you to use --> https://plantnebraska.org/how-to-help/advocacy.html ** While the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum does not typically receive federal funding, we work in very close partnership with the Nebraska Forest Service, which does receive federal funding through the U.S. Forest Service's State, Private, and Tribal Forestry (SPTF) programs. The President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 “Skinny Budget” threatens to eliminate these programs entirely—a move that will have devastating consequences for Nebraska communities and forests, as well as for volunteer fire departments and landowners. SPTF programs directly support community forestry, forest health, rural economic resilience, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire departments and reforestation efforts. The elimination of these critical programs would leave Nebraska communities without the resources, tools, and partnerships needed to protect lives, property, and the environment. Now is a critically important time to advocate for Nebraska's forests with your Nebraska senators and representatives. We are asking you to call or email them immediately (decisions will be made this Friday, May 16) to express your vehement opposition to this devastating budget cut! Resources here --> https://plantnebraska.org/how-to-help/advocacy.html We love our Nebraska trees and community forests, and we know you do, too! THANK YOU for helping to advocate for crucial funding for the Nebraska Forest Service. (fb)