Living Pollinator Habitats
Surrounding the Kimmel Education and Research Center are 17 beautifully revitalized landscape beds, originally installed when the Center was built in 2007 and thoughtfully replanted in 2024 with a strong emphasis on Nebraska native plants. Designed to showcase sustainable gardening practices, these gardens now serve as a vibrant living classroom. They feature a rich mix of perennials, shrubs, and pollinator-friendly species—each carefully chosen to thrive in Nebraska’s climate while supporting biodiversity. Non-invasive introduced species and cultivars of native plants are also thoughtfully incorporated, adding seasonal beauty and providing additional resources for pollinators.
Thanks to the collaboration of Kimmel staff, interns, and Nebraska Extension professionals, our gardens have earned two major recognitions: Nebraska Pollinator Habitat certification in 2024 and Monarch Waystation certification in 2025. These designations highlight our commitment to creating healthy, functional spaces for pollinators—creatures vital to food production, ecosystem balance, and plant reproduction.
Beyond their ecological value, the gardens invite exploration, education, and inspiration. Whether you’re strolling the paths, attending a field trip, or participating in a seasonal workshop, you’ll find these beds are more than plantings—they are demonstrations of how horticulture, conservation, and community can flourish together.
At Kimmel Orchard, our landscapes represent more than beauty—they embody the power of education, research, stewardship, and hands-on learning in action. And like all living landscapes, they are constantly evolving. Plants grow and fade, blooms come and go, and designs shift as we learn what thrives best here. Every season brings opportunities to refresh, adapt, and deepen our connection to this place.
Stay tuned—there’s always something new growing at Kimmel!