Earl J. Maxwell

Born 1880 IN

Died 1962-11

A native of Indiana and graduate of Purdue University, Earl Maxwell earned his master's degree at the University of Nebraska in 1915. A few years later, he became the first Extension Agent for Douglas County, Nebraska, a position he held for twelve years. He then returned to Lincoln and from 1934 until his retirement in 1952, Maxwell served as the State Extension Forester at the University of Nebraska. He administered the Clark McNary Tree Distribution Program and during his tenure millions of trees were distributed and planted by farmers and ranchers across the state. With his encouragement, shelterbelts throughout Nebraska were established. Maxwell was interested in finding woody plants that could survive, even thrive, in Nebraska's harsh environment. To this end, he began to trial plants at the site that is now known as Earl J. Maxwell Arboretum on UNL East Campus.

Places Lived

Lincoln, NE

Author Of

Nonfiction

Keywords

Botany; Wild Flowers--Nebraska; Arboriculture--Nebraska

Education

Bachelors Degree, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Masters Degree, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 1915

Occupation

Extension Forester

Places Worked

University of Nebraska Extension Service

Honors

University of Nebraska - Lincoln's Earl J. Maxwell Arboretum is named in his honor.

Bibliography

Wild Flowers in Nebraska. 1967. (with Raymond Pool)
Native Plants That Beautify NebraskaNebraska Extension Service publication
They Planted Trees,/em> Nebraska Extension Service publication

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