Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center has received accreditation as an Affiliate Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
This new accreditation comes as a result of intentional work by camp staff to diversify and expand the plantings on the property.

Bud Dasenbrock, life member of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and friend of Carol Joy Holling Camp explains, “The accreditation is acknowledging our progress in plantings of specific specimens, collections and groupings. We have intentionally planted a variety of things in both landscaping and in native woodlands and prairies. Both types of plantings are very important to the sustainability of Carol Joy Holling Center as a place for guests to experience and enjoy the outdoors.” Dasenbrock served as the first president of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and is passionate about environment education for youth and adults.

Roger Maxon, Director/Site and Facilities at Carol Joy Holling Camp, hopes that this new accreditation will attract more volunteers. “As we grow in our understanding of what it means to be an Arboretum, we will need more help to plant and maintain our spaces,” he said.

Now that this accreditation is in place, Maxon and Dasenbrock are looking to develop signage and educational materials for guests to better appreciate the plantings.  Dasenbrock explains, “Having appropriate interpretation of the plants will open so many doors to environmental education opportunities for both summer campers and retreat guests.”