Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: CSU to hold Arbor Day Tree Planting Event on the Historic Oval Tomorrow

Colorado State University and the Arbor Day Foundation will hold a tree planting event on the historic Oval on Friday, April 20, to celebrate the university’s recognition as an official Tree Campus USA.

WHEN/WHERE: The tree planting event will begin with a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on the Oval. Following the ceremony, more than 100 CSU student volunteers will plant 27 Valley Forge elms throughout the Oval in an effort to extend its legacy. Oval Drive will be closed from approximately 5 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the event.

DETAILS: This is only the second supplemental planting in the Oval’s history. The previous supplemental planting of 16 American elms occurred in 1996. The last mass planting on the Oval took place in the 1920s.

The Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota are granting the 27 Valley Forge elms to CSU and are teaming up with students to plant the trees during the ceremonial recognition of the university being named a Tree Campus USA. CSU Facilities and the Colorado State Forest Service will help with planting instructions.

Last month, the Arbor Day Foundation awarded Colorado State University the title of 2011 Tree Campus USA sponsored by Toyota Motors North America Inc. CSU received this award for its excellent forestry practices and engagement of students and the community about urban tree care.

To become a 2011 Tree Campus USA, CSU was required to demonstrate that it will ensure the protection and maintenance of the campus’ urban forest, reduce hazardous tree risks to public safety and maintain a sustainable campus forest through tree species diversity and best management practices. The university joins more than 140 American colleges and universities recognized by the program.

Colorado State University currently has over 7,000 trees on campus, and some are 130 years old.

CONTACT: Jennifer Dimas at (970) 491-1543 or Jennifer.Dimas@colostate.edu.
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