HSU Wins Plaudits for Excellence in Landscape Design

Humboldt State University will receive a Landscape Design Commendation from California Garden Clubs, Inc.’s Landscape Design Council in ceremonies at the spring meeting of the Humboldt District of CGCI on Friday, Apr. 27, at 11 a.m. at the First Covenant Church, 2526 J Street, Eureka. Humboldt State President Rollin Richmond will receive the honor on the university’s behalf.

Also to be recognized are HSU Grounds and Landscape Manager Doug Kokesh of Plant Operations and Director of Facilities Planning and Design Traci Ferdolage.

A panel of National Garden Clubs, Inc. Landscape Design Consultants, Mary Lou Goodwin, Patricia Clayes and Launa Gould, recognized HSU for excellence in land use and landscape design and maintenance. The design is also an asset to the community, the judges said, adding, “Continued development over the course of the last several years has been well-thought out and easily incorporates itself into the existing campus.”

Founded in 1913 and situated on 144 acres of land, Humboldt State is part of the California State University system. The commendation is based on the complementarity of the additional entrance gates, kiosks and new buildings with the campus’s original landscaping, which consists of the Mediterranean-style Founders Hall, surrounded by redwood trees, rhododendrons and redwood walkways and stairs.

Recent additions include the College Creek Apartments, College Creek Field, Redwood Plaza and the Kinesiology and Athletics Building. They carry on the Mediterranean theme, accented with black wrought iron railings on stairways and fences and light poles with green and gold decorative flags.

The commendation also cites HSU landscaping for its abundance of native plants and trees and their colorful foliage.

California Garden Clubs, Inc. is the statewide federation of garden clubs and plant societies, representing more than 21,000 California gardeners. Founded in 1931, CGCI is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers extensive educational programs and resources to promote gardening, floral design, civic beautification, environmental responsibility and the exchange of information and ideas. CGCI is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region. Further information on CGCI is posted at www.CaliforniaGardenClubs.org.

Local details are available from Mary Lou Goodwin, treasurer and past chair, California Garden Clubs, Inc. Landscape Design Council, 1312 Gates Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Dial 707-442-1387 or email goodwin-CGCI@northcoast.com.