University of Findlay Adds Another Tree to Campus for Arbor Day

University of Findlay students and employees were joined by community members on Thursday, April 20, for the planting of a new tree. As part of a pre-Arbor Day celebration, those in attendance gathered to help plant a new Kentucky Coffee tree, and to learn more about tree care and mulching.

“We wanted to do an environmental awareness event, and it worked out perfectly with Arbor day right around the corner,” said Benjamin Dolan, Ph.D. associate professor of biology and director of natural areas and plant collections. Dolan was joined by University faculty and staff, students, members of the grounds crew, and community members, as University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. read the Arbor Day proclamation.

Recognized as a tree campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, the University is dedicated to the planting, maintenance, and caring of hundreds of trees throughout campus. Each year for Arbor Day, and again as part of the Charles T Fox Society, the University plants a new tree on campus. “We plant at least two trees per year, but physical plant is consistently removing and adding new trees throughout the year,” Dolan said. “Planting a tree represents decades worth of monitoring and care.”

Following the ceremony, Dolan took those in attendance around campus, talking about tree roots, trimming, and the problems of over mulching. He also educated people on the trees and how insects like cicadas can change the way trees grow.

To see pictures from the Arbor Day celebration, visit the University of Findlay’s Flickr page.