MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) recently observed Arbor Day by hosting a tree dedication and educational program. The event was held on April 27 at the Centennial Clock Tower on the Monticello campus and was attended by a group of about 50 people, including Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist Rex Nelson, who was on campus to write an article about Monticello’s campus.
During the event, experts from the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (CFANR) and the Forestry Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture spoke about the importance of trees for the environment and for communities.
Dr. Peggy Doss, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, emphasized the value of urban trees for communities, stating that “trees provide a variety of benefits such as energy savings on campus, reducing carbon dioxide and offering green space, which is important for mental health benefits for students, staff and faculty.”
In addition, Kristine Kimbro of the Arkansas Forestry Division discussed requirements for Tree Campus Higher Education recognition, of which UAM has been a member since 2012. She noted that “establishing a tree board, submitting a tree care plan annually, including dedicated annual expenditures, observations of Arbor Day, and implementing a service-learning project engaging the student body” were all essential criteria for recognition.
The tree planting ceremony featured demonstrations by Dr. Blazier, Dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and students from the UAM silviculture class on how to select a tree species and site, score tree roots and plant, mulch and stake a tree. The group planted a bur oak for the dedication. Silviculture students are slated to plant a couple more trees elsewhere on campus in the near future.
The Arbor Day event at UAM highlighted the importance of trees for the environment and communities and showcased the University’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.