On my trip around campus at the end of class today, I set out with an idea of how the lay out of the trees on campus might work. After looking over the campus’s brochure of trees I noticed an extensive number of non-native species. But in listening to our discussion of the campuses recent revision of their masterplan and the emphasis, even if it wasn’t until the second to last page, on making sustainable decisions on new development. So I thought I’d look to see if this was evident in the foliage found on recently renovated parts of campus versus the older areas.

I began right outside of Acopian and grabbed a few samples from the surrounding trees that would have been planted during the Anderson courtyard renovation in 2012. I found on the courtyard three different examples of local species:

Alleghany Serviceberry – Amerlanchier Laevis – Found this little guy right outside Acopian in beside the retaining wall. Native to Eastern North America.

Slippery Elm – Ulmus rubra – Also on Anderson Courtyard, outside of Hugel, another native species.

American Hornbeam – Carpinus Caroliniana – Anderson courtyard, 3 for 3 on native species.

I then wandered over to a couple of older buildings, between Kunkel, Ramer and Farber to see if this older part of campus had less native species:

Little Leaf Linden – Along the side of Farber Hall, I found this species, native to Europe pretty untouched

Eastern Redbud – Cercis Canadensis – Another native to North America, I found on the edge of March Field. Old campus: 1 for 2.

I didn’t take the time to look for more species but in looking at the map and the plan on campus I think its clear the college is consciously moving towards the trend of using native species, which I’m sure Tallamy would be thrilled about.