Some noticeable changes will be coming to the landscape along 42nd Street in front of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine buildings.
An estimated 25 trees will be removed around 42nd Street, between Farnam and Leavenworth streets, as part of preparation for work to strengthen Metropolitan Utilities District water mains and to improve other utilities serving the medical center. The tree removal is the first step, having to be removed no later than Saturday, Feb. 15, before migratory birds return.
New trees will be planted to replace the number of trees being removed.
“Although it’s always hard to see the loss of trees on our campus, I take comfort in knowing planners conducted their due diligence to minimize ecological and environmental disruption and did not arrive at this decision lightly,” said Jerrod Bley, sustainability manager, UNMC Facilities and Planning. “The large Linden trees in front of Wittson Hall had outgrown the space and their future growth and health was severely limited.
“The landscape design for once the construction work is completed will prioritize native, resilient, perennial and diverse plant selection that will provide a safer and more aesthetically pleasing experience for pedestrians while enhancing our campus canopy and green spaces.”