Students, faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will plant a red maple tree at the center of campus adjacent to the Centennial Clock Tower.
The ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, in observance of Arbor Day, a nationally-celebrated activity that encourages tree planting and care.
Chancellor Karla Hughes and Director of University Relations John Davis will speak during the ceremony.
“The observance is one of five requirements for the campus to maintain its standing as part of Tree Campus USA,” according to a news release. “The other standards include maintaining a campus Tree Board comprised of administrators, physical plant staff, faculty and students; a campus-wide tree care plan which provides guidelines for proper tree planting, care and protection during construction activities and tree replacement; and an annual student service project.”
After the Arbor Day ceremony, a group of students, assisted by personnel from the UAM Grounds Division and Tree Board, will mulch approximately 75 to 100 trees in the arboretum.
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“The shredded hardwood mulch will help keep weeds and grass from growing around the trees, prevent lawnmowers and string trimmers from damaging the trees, improve the appearance of the arboretum, and help conserve soil moisture near the tree,” according to the release.
UAM was designated a Tree Campus USA in 2010.
“The Tree Campus USA program encourages the development of the next generation of tree stewards,” Davis said. “The program awards national recognition to college campuses and the leaders of their surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship.”