Nebraska Forest Service Issues $350,000 Challenge Grant to Support Renewal of Lied Lodge & Conference Center's Fuelwood Plant

Contractors, Suppliers and Vendors Collaborate to Make a Difference

Nebraska City, Neb. (April 23, 2015) – The Nebraska Forest Service has issued a $350,000 challenge grant through the TREES Heat Nebraska program to support the fuelwood plant as part of the Lied Lodge & Conference Center's nearly nine million dollar Renewal Project.

The $350,000 challenge grant has been matched by the U.S. Forest Service, bringing the total to date generated by the Nebraska Forest Service challenge grant in support of Lied Lodge & Conference Center's fuelwood plant to $700,000.

The challenge grant provides critical support for necessary enhancements to Lied Lodge & Conference Center's green biofuel power plant where wood chips, stored in the hopper, are fed by scrapers and augers to the boiler system, where steam is created for heating and hot water. An evaporation/absorption chiller uses the steam to create air conditioning.

"Growing trees for fuelwood is a job-creating technology that improves the environment. Lied Lodge's fuelwood plant has a gallery where visitors can see how wood chips fuel the conference center's boilers and learn more about biomass and other renewable energy sources," said Nebraska Forest Service state forester and director Scott Josiah. "Our long-standing conservation partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation shows that we share a common interest in making a difference in Nebraska through inspirational conservation and education efforts. We are excited to contribute to this critical renewal of Lied Lodge & Conference Center's ability to operate sustainably by enhancing its green biofuel power plant."

"The Nebraska Forest Service has long been an important partner," said Matt Harris, Arbor Day Foundation chief executive. "Thanks to the kind support of the Nebraska Forest Service, we are able to improve the overall experience of educators, environmental and conservation leaders, and all who visit Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm as we enhance this unique resource for this and future generations."

The Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees, has partnered with various corporate partners, donors, contractors, suppliers and vendors to collaborate on a large-scale, joint renovation project at Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

With an emphasis on trees, conservation and stewardship, Lied Lodge & Conference Center serves as a resource for conservation-related organizations, businesses, educators, forestry professionals, members, individuals and other organizations from around the globe wishing to benefit from and enjoy the facility's resources. Lied Lodge's 140 guest rooms, Timber Dining Room, and more than 12,000 square feet of conference facilities are being renovated with sustainable products resulting in up-to-date energy efficiencies. The scope of work includes extensive exterior and interior remodeling.

Lied Lodge remains open and in full operation during the renewal.

To learn more about how to become a partner or make a donation to the project, visit www.arborday.org/renewal.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation, founded in 1972 on the centennial of the first Arbor Day, is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. The Foundation employs more than 400 people in southeast Nebraska. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at arborday.org.

About the Nebraska Forest Service: As a part of the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) provides education and services to the people of Nebraska covering all aspects of planting, protection, care and utilization of the state's forest resources. TheTREES Heat Nebraska program provides technical and financial assistance for the development and installation of woody biomass energy systems.

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