Kimmel Orchard

Kimmel Education and Research Center

The Kimmel Education and Research Center extends the University of Nebraska campus into the heart of Southeast Nebraska where it supports economic development through research, education, and community outreach. This state-of-the-art regional conference facility, located on the grounds of historic Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, was created in the spirit of research partnerships that began in 1925 when the Kimmel family joined with the university to study the value of alternative crops on the state's economy. Today the Center represents a unique collaboration of University of Nebraska Extension, the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation, and the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Faculty and staff from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln work at the Kimmel Education and Research Center to support economic development and vitality and encourage good stewardship and sustainable practices in the region. It is a place to grow new partnerships and create new economic opportunities that increase the net worth of farms, acreages and communities and help preserve the land and its cultural heritage for generations to come.

Our Mission

The primary mission of the Kimmel Education and Research Center is to support economic development in Southeast Nebraska. The Kimmel Education and Research Center accomplishes its mission by working with many University and statewide partners in a variety of extension, teaching, and research activities. These activities focus on supporting many areas, including entrepreneurship, value-added and diversified alternative agriculture and agritourism.

The extension, teaching and research activities that support these initiatives include:

Educational events focused on value-added markets, products and services.

The Annual Wild Fruit and Nut Jam, which continuous to grow each year. The main objective of the annual Wild Fruit & Nut Jam is enhance an economically viable and sustainable food and biomass system by 1) educating attendees about various aspects of the fruit and nut industries and 2) increasing the visibility of participating vendors and enhancing their economic opportunities through networking with the University, attendees and other participating organizations.

When asked about how their organizations benefited by participating in the Wild Fruit & Nut Jam, respondents noted:

“Networking with presenters, vendors” and “Learning from the presentations”

“Making business contacts”

“Made good sales on displayed products”

“Learned of other businesses in Nebraska that we can also promote in our area”

Individuals and vendors interested in participating in the Wild Fruit & Nut Jam should contact the Kimmel Education and Research Center for additional information.

The next Wild Fruit and Nut Jam is scheduled for October 6, 2007, so mark your calendars and plan to attend this exciting event!

Viticulture and Specialty Forest Crops Laboratories These laboratories support research conduct by UNL faculty and are also available to assist growers who are interested in conducting various tests and trials.

Kimmel Orchard is home to research and demonstration plots that feature a variety of crops. The research and demonstration plots include different types of grapes, woody florals, nuts and berries.

An Educational Trail System. The 2.5-mile educational trail system winds throughout the orchard and vineyard and features a series of interpretive panels that teach visitors about the growing and harvesting of a variety of fruits, vegetables and other value-added crops ranging from apples and cherries to wine and table grapes and decorative shrubs.

Tours of the Kimmel Education and Research Center, which are available by appointment

A State-of-the-Art Conference Facility, which is available for educational events such as meetings, trainings, and seminars.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kimmel Education and Research Center

P.O. Box 466
5995 G Road
Nebraska City, NE 68410

Phone: 402-873-3166

Fax: 402-873-3218

E-mail: kimmel@unl.edu

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and for special events

The UNL Kimmel Education and Research Center is located next to the historic Kimmel Orchard, which is northwest of Nebraska City on business Highway 75.