Double feature planned for Arbor Day at WMU this year

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Tree plantings are a typical part of Western Michigan University's annual observance of national Arbor Day, and WMU is doubling down this year.

The University will start Friday, April 24—the date for the 2015 national observance—with a traditional celebration that includes a public tree-planting ceremony. After that, officials will dedicate a new main campus icon that features a 17-foot, bronze tree of knowledge projecting out of a large WMU seal.

The tree-planting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. at the Sindecuse Health Center off of Gilkison Avenue near the building's north side parking lot (lot 51). The icon dedication will be at 11 a.m. in front of the Sangren Hall pedestrian mall at the turnaround, where the icon has been installed.

Traditional celebration

Those attending the traditional Arbor Day celebration are invited to add a shovel of soil during the planting of this year's selected tree species, the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)—Michigan's state tree.

The event also will include a short program, during which attendees will learn about the eastern white pine's attributes and WMU's Arbor Day history, as well as be updated on recent tree-related news.

In addition, WMU will mark its seventh consecutive certification by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA university. That honor, announced in February, covers the 2014 calendar year and recognizes WMU for its continued commitment to effective community forestry management.

Parking

During the Arbor Day celebration, parking will not be permitted in lot 51, which is reserved for Sindecuse Health Center staff members and patients. Parking will be permitted close to Sindecuse in lots 40 and 41. For parking and other WMU maps, visit wmich.edu/maps/printables.php.

For more information, contact Darrell Junkins, WMU grounds supervisor in landscape services, at darrell.junkins@wmich.edu or (269) 387-8557.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.