For Eighth Year, Duke Named Tree Campus USA
Campus community members celebrate the recognition with a tree planting
Duke students, staff and Durham residents came together April 8 as part of a tree planting event to celebrate Duke's latest "Tree Campus USA" designation by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Above, student Morgan Irons, left, rakes mulch over a newly planted tree with Katie Rose Levin, natural resource manager with Facilities Management.
“With all the construction that’s been going on, people have been surrounded by man-made infrastructure,” said Irons, leader of the student group Campus Keepers, which volunteers with Facilities for landscaping projects.. “When spring comes and everything turns green, you can see a change in peoples’ moods. From an event like this to help increase greenery around the university, you can sense a change in people.”
This year marked the eighth straight Duke was recognized as a Tree Campus USA, which honors the campus’ commitment to sustainability and a tree care program. To mark the occasion, the group planted 16 new trees behind Baldwin Auditorium on East Campus, including varieties like American beech, littleleaf linden, black gum and snow goose cherry trees.
“This kind of asset will outlive us and will be our legacy,” noted Bryan Hooks, assistant director of ground for Facilities Management.
Below, Durham residents Don Adden, left, helps Craig Banton straighten out a tree to be planted.
See additional photos from the event on the Working@Duke Facebook page.
