MVNU observes Arbor Day with tree planting

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee hosted the planting of a Fort McNair Red Horse Chestnut on April 18, in observance of Arbor Day. The tree selected will contribute to the species diversity of campus and will produce beautiful rose-red flowers in the spring, When fully grown, it will provide ample shade.

“Our Campus Tree Advisory Committee exists to cultivate sustainability and stewardship on MVNU’s campus,” explains Tim Radcliffe, committee chair. “The goals for our committee are to protect and maintain the campus trees by managing the impact of development and construction on [them].”

Additionally, Radcliffe emphasizes the importance of ensuring that in the event of a tree removal on campus, replacement considerations are made.

Several students joined Committee members at the planting including Tucker Dougherty, Caleb Woodworth, Jessica Bock, Morgan Gibson, Caila Charles, Ashlynn Scott, Zach Ballenger, Faith West, Dominic Rose, and Sara Bash. The number of students participated double since 2023.

The Committee is comprised of nine members:

• Ben Cook — Director of Facilities Operations and Campus Safety 
• Open position — Grounds Coordinator
• Dr. Jon Bossley and Tim Radcliffe (Chair) — Faculty Representatives
• Darryl George and Heather Hoag — Staff Representatives
• Sarah Bash and Tucker Dougherty — Student Representatives
• Dr. Randy Cronk — Community Representative
  
  

The Committee will continue to plan for the care of trees on campus, which includes removals of damaged or diseased trees, as well as planting new or replacement trees,” said Radcliffe about next steps. “In addition, the committee has been working on a self-guided tree tour that will highlight some of the key tree species on campus.”

For their dedication and efforts toward conservation, MVNU earned distinction as a Tree Campus from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education program. This is now the fifth consecutive year MVNU has received this honor.

To learn more about MVNU’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee, visit mvnu.edu/treecampus.