An outdoor museum of trees in the heart of Downtown Omaha
About the Project
Since 2017, ODIDA has partnered with The Naturalist School to “re-wild” the historic Old Market. Together, we maintain most of the street trees and plantings on public sidewalks within the district—improving canopy health, shade, and year-round beauty while supporting biodiversity in an urban setting.
Why It Matters
- Healthier canopy, cooler streets – Shade reduces heat and makes walking more comfortable.
- Greener, more inviting blocks – Trees and plantings soften the streetscape and enhance curb appeal.
- Native resilience – Species selection emphasizes long-term health and local ecology.
- Healthier canopy, cooler streets – Shade reduces heat and makes walking more comfortable.
What Is an Arboretum?
An arboretum is an area devoted to specimen plantings of trees and shrubs—an outdoor museum of trees. Unlike a forest or nursery, arboretums cultivate diverse species for education, research, and exhibition, helping visitors learn from living collections.
Sidewalk Bed Responsibilities
Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalk beds adjacent to their buildings, including planting, watering, and general upkeep.
If you’d like help choosing what to plant—or guidance on design, plant selection, and care education—ODIDA’s gardener is available to consult.
📩 Contact us at info@omahaDowntown.org to set up an appointment.
Together, property owners and ODIDA are ensuring the Old Market Arboretum thrives as a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming Downtown.
