Many will remember the surprising and devastating snowstorm that hit Lincoln and much of south central and eastern Nebraska on Oct. 25-26, 1997.

On Oct. 12, a Tree-mendous Celebration will observe the 20th anniversary of that snowstorm. The event also marks the conclusion of a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of Maxwell Arboretum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The annual family-friendly celebration is 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Earl G. Maxwell Arboretum, located at approximately 38th and Holdrege streets on Nebraska’s East Campus.

The university and arboretum sustained heavy tree and shrub damage in the storm that dumped more than 13 inches of snow in Lincoln. Most trees still had their leaves, making the weight unbearable for many established trees. The university lost 2,000 of 9,000 trees and shrubs to the storm.

The Tree-mendous Celebration activities will highlight the campus response and recovery.

Events include children’s activities, a scavenger hunt, a free plant from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a tree planting and a sawmill demonstration. Free Nebraska Dairy Store ice cream, pumpkins, Kimmel Orchard apples and Department of Agronomy and Horticulture popcorn will be provided.

Visitors may chat with tree and insect experts and other plant specialists from various university departments, the statewide arboretum and Nebraska Forest Service. Lincoln Parks and Recreation specialists from the Pioneers Park Nature Center will be on hand with reptiles and amphibians. Smokey Bear and “Archie,” the mammoth mascot from the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall, will also attend.

Booths and displays will be provided by Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Department of Entomology, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Gardens, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, and the Nebraska Nut Growers Association.

The Tree-mendous Celebration is sponsored by the Friends of Maxwell Arboretum, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Garden Friends and Landscape Services.

Parking is available in the Dental College parking lot, the East Campus Loop and areas near the Nebraska Dairy Store.

Learn more information online or via Facebook.