The MCC Arboretum -a Living Laboratory—That is a Treasure for Horticulture Students

The historical site of Fort Omaha is the setting for the MCC Arboretum, part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The arboretum site encompasses five acres of the 70-acre campus. Metro's arboretum offers a profusion of trees, plants and shrubs; some that have existed on the site for over 100 years. As both a historic site and learning laboratory, this environment presents educational opportunities for our students that aren't available anywhere else.

The Arboretum features several unique venues:

• Pool Garden
• General Crook House & Victorian Heirloom Garden
• College Buildings 8, 9, 10, 27 & 29
• Neihardt Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden

History

Fort Omaha's initial purpose was to guard the important pioneer settlement at the junction of the railroad and the Missouri River. The site is a registered national historic landmark and is home to the Douglas County Historical Society.

When the College was established in 1974, the College acquired the deed to Fort Omaha.

In 1991, The Horticulture Department personnel felt the Fort Omaha collection was worthy of an arboretum designation and actively began work toward becoming recognized as a Nebraska Statewide Arboretum site.

The Fort Omaha site always has been distinguished by its large collection of aged trees and shrubs. Since being acquired by the College, the campus landscape has seen a variety of building expansions and additional plantings/renovations have been maintained or enhanced.

Perennial flowerbeds and a wide variety of ornamental trees and shrubs, have been planted for use in the College’s Horticulture Program and are located throughout the whole campus. As trees and shrubs are replaced and new sites planted, the College’s goal is to select a variety of plants to create a very diverse plant collection to add to both the educational and historical value of the site.