Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) marked Arbor Day with the planting of two Sweetbay Magnolia trees on its campus. The Campus Tree Advisory Committee will also add a Bald Cypress later this month, aligning with the university's emphasis on sustainability and enhancing campus greenery.
The species selected offer diverse benefits; Sweetbay Magnolias are valued for their fragrant blossoms, and the Bald Cypress adds visual diversity with its texture. These additions replace invasive species removed earlier this year.
Tim Radcliffe, Chair of the Campus Tree Advisory Committee, stated, "Our Campus Tree Advisory Committee exists to cultivate sustainability and stewardship on MVNU’s campus. Our goal is to protect and maintain campus trees by carefully managing the impact of development and construction." He highlighted the commitment to replace trees when necessary to preserve the campus's ecological health.
The event saw participation from several students, whose involvement has doubled since 2023, indicating increased student engagement in sustainability practices. The committee, comprising nine members, oversees the care of campus trees, which involves removing damaged or diseased ones and planting new or replacement trees.
MVNU’s efforts have been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education program, awarding the university the title of Tree Campus for six consecutive years. More information on the committee's activities can be found at www.mvnu.edu/treecampus.
