Sidney's Wittrock to receive award for tree-planting efforts

Individuals from Sidney and Scottsbluff will receive planting and landscape awards at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum awards reception Feb. 26 in Lincoln.

Galen Wittrock, assistant manager for the South Platte Natural Resources District, will receive the Johnny Appleseed Award for efforts that embody the spirit of John Chapman – known as “Johnny Appleseed” – through sustained personal involvement in tree-planting in Nebraska.

As part of his work with the NRD, Wittrock works to improve groundwater management and wildlife habitat and oversees conservation and community tree-planting programs. Wittrock’s efforts extend beyond this as he works to improve tree diversity in Sidney and other south Panhandle communities as well as expanding tree planting and diversity on his own farm properties north of Lodgepole, which serve as trial plantings for other farmers and ranchers to learn from.

Annie Folck, planner for the city of Scottsbluff, will receive a Community Landscape Award for projects that have significantly improved the city’s green infrastructure.