GIPR Launches Tree Inventory Contest

Grand Island, Neb. — How many trees are in the Grand Island City Cemetery?

The Grand Island Parks & Recreation Department is inviting residents to take their best guess in a new summer contest as certified foresters begin a full inventory of city-owned trees.

The contest celebrates the launch of the City’s updated Tree Inventory project, now underway with help from Eocene Environmental Group. This comprehensive inventory includes counting, GPS mapping, measuring and evaluating the condition of every tree in the city’s parks system. The work kicked off this summer at the Grand Island City Cemetery, which spans nearly 90 acres and is one of the largest properties in the park system.

To mark the beginning of the project, the Parks & Recreation Department is challenging the public to guess how many trees will be recorded within the cemetery boundaries. The person with the closest guess on the Parks & Recreation’s Facebook post will receive a free family day pass to either Island Oasis Water Park or Lincoln Pool.

“We thought this would be a fun way to engage the community and help people learn more about the importance of our city’s trees,” said Parks & Recreation Director Todd McCoy. “This inventory isn’t just a count—it gives us essential data about the condition and species of trees in our care.”

The $45,540 project is fully funded through the federal Inflation Reduction Act and will be completed by the end of the summer. The inventory will guide better decision making about future tree removals, replacements and plantings. It also strengthens the City’s ability to apply for future tree-related grants and ensures diversity in species to reduce the risks from pests and diseases like Emerald Ash Borer and Pine Wilt Disease.

One guess per person is allowed, and the winner will be announced once the cemetery tree count is complete.