(AP) — Nebraskans are being encouraged to plant trees this fall to replace ones lost to drought and enhance their communities.

The ReTree Nebraska group is planning a series of events across the state starting Sunday to encourage tree planting.

And cities all across the state have pledged to plant roughly 1,000 new trees this fall during events across Nebraska.

The state’s first lady Sally Ganem says trees are an important asset for the state’s communities because of the shade and economic benefits they provide.