April 16, 2023
SIU hosting Arbor Day tree planting on April 26
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Month, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a tree planting on April 26. Everyone is welcome to participate in the event, which will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.
The planting will go on rain or shine, and people should meet on Lot 4, located between the Communications Building and Thompson Point. Dress appropriately for the project; closed-toe shoes and jeans are recommended.
“SIU has a large tree population that we want to maintain or even grow. To do that, new trees need to be planted to replace the ones that we lose,” said Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds. “We also need to try and keep some strong diversity in our tree population. We are well aware of the devastation to the ash tree population caused by the emerald ash borer. Imagine if we had only a few species and ash comprised a large percentage. This event and the volunteers who make it happen are vital to maintaining the biodiversity and beauty of SIU’s campus.”
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the tree planting 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. April 26. Meet at Lot 4 between the Communications Building and Thompson Point. For more information, contact Dave Tippy at 618-453-8179 or dtippy@siu.edu.
Tree Campus honors
SIU has earned recognition annually since 2015 as a Tree Campus Higher Education. The university is one of fewer than 400 universities and colleges across the country to win this designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.
The annual spring tree planting is one of several reasons SIU continues to receive the honor. Since the Arbor Day tree planting began, volunteers, faculty, staff and students have planted about 100 trees across campus. That number will increase this month.
For more information, contact Dave Tippy at dtippy@siu.edu.