Students walking on campus. Fall has arrived and the leaves are various shades of orange, gold and brown.

File photo

October 18, 2022

All are welcome to search for trees on SIU campus during Tree Campus BioBlitz

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale has long been recognized for its commitment to urban forest management. In keeping with that tradition, individuals and school groups are invited to participate in a special event later this month, the Tree Campus Higher Education BioBlitz.

The goal is simple. Participants will try to find as many native tree species as they can on the SIU campus during a 24-hour period and log them through the iNaturalist app. Everyone is welcome to participate.

The event takes place from noon Wednesday, Oct. 26, to noon Thursday, Oct. 27. Registration is from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the table under the breezeway at the front entrance of the Agricultural Sciences Building.

Organizers, including forestry students and graduate assistants, will help participants get started.

SIU has been a Tree Campus Higher Education since 2015. The university has a campus tree care plan and sponsors annual tree plantings, tree walks, Forestry Club demonstrations and other events in conjunction with ongoing efforts to support the ongoing mission.

For more information about the Tree Campus High Education BioBlitz contact Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds, at dtippy@siu.edu or 618-453-8179.