Augusta University plants trees for Arbor Day

In honor of Arbor Day, Augusta University staff and student volunteers planted several trees on the Summerville, Forest Hills and Health Sciences campuses.

Nearly 30 volunteers and staff planted 11 trees to add to the landscape of the university.

They planted a live oak on the Summerville Campus, a live oak on the Forest Hills Campus near Christenberry Fieldhouse and nine Sweetbay magnolias on the Health Sciences Campus.

“We feel that promoting Arbor Day is a celebration of our tree campus. It’s a great way to share the importance of trees to our campus community,” said Scott Davis, manager of landscaping and grounds at Augusta University. “We are enjoying the canopy due to others who planted trees before us. There is a proverb that states, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second best time is now.’”

Studies have found there are many social, economic and environmental benefits to trees. Among them: helping to cool residence halls and classrooms around campus, which saves money, and reducing air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide produced by cars.

“In the future, others will benefit from what we planted on Arbor Day. One of our goals is to replace any lost trees. We lose trees from occasional storms, lightning, disease and mankind activities. Our goal is to continue to replace our canopy,” added Davis.

In addition to the trees planted for Arbor Day, eight others have been added to the Augusta University landscape.

“It is rewarding witnessing volunteers accomplish a needed task and even more rewarding to witness them become attached to our campus community. It brings us joy to hear a volunteer student state, ‘I can’t wait to come back to see this tree when I’m an alumni!’ We involved them in an ever-changing, growing campus amenity that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Davis.