The tree planting was part of Arbor Day, a global holiday during which people plant and care for trees.
HSU volunteers spent the day planting a variety of tree species including Korean dogwood, Zelkova, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, tulip and cherry, said Grounds and Landscape Manager Doug Kokesh.
“A big thanks to everyone involved in helping keep Humboldt State beautiful,” said Kokesh.
In addition to beautifying campus, the trees will help remove carbon dioxide emissions and create an outdoor learning environment for students in the College of Natural Resources and Sciences. Tree planting also promotes environmental stewardship.
“It’s important because it shows campus and the community that we’re taking the initiative to make our school more green and sustainable,” said Emelie Traub (’16, Ecology), a student volunteer involved in the effort. “And that’s a big part of what HSU is about.”
In addition to housing the largest herbarium in the California State University system, HSU is frequently recognized for the diversity of its flora. In 2012, the California Garden Clubs, Inc.’s Landscape Design Council recognized the university for its excellence in land use, landscape design and maintenance. The award also cited HSU landscaping for its abundant use of native plants, trees and colorful foliage.
Later this year, HSU will apply to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA program. The program honors colleges and universities that meet five core standards of tree care and community engagement including a campus tree care plan and a community outreach initiative. The university’s exemplary sustainability efforts were also recognized last year by STARS, which measures the sustainability performance of colleges and universities across the nation.
For more information on Tree Campus USA, visit arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/. For more on HSU’s sustainability efforts, visit humboldt.edu/green.