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K-State Today

April 23, 2014

Tree Campus USA and Arbor Day activities

Submitted by Cathie Lavis

At Higginbotham Gate, a new flag waves proudly under the American flag, acknowledging that Kansas State University is now a recognized Tree Campus USA.

Tree Campus USA, designed by the Arbor Day Foundation, endorses the care of campus trees and student participation in this endeavor. To promote our campus trees, students in HORT 585: Arboriculture will host various educational activities planned to engage the campus community, Wednesday, April 23, through Friday, April 25.

In Kansas, Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in April. On Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m., a Chinkapin, Quercus muehlenbergii, will be planted by arboriculture students on the east side of Eisenhower Hall.

Arboriculture students have created a walking path through the historic core of campus highlighting 18 specific trees — a few of which are the historic trees that remain from the original experimental, horticulture nursery that were planted to test the adaptability of tree species to eastern Kansas. Beautifully designed posters for each of the trees contains educational information and interesting facts. These signs will be posted for public viewing between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 23-25.

At four key locations along the path, students will have fascinating tree specimens on display. Another fun part of the activities will be watching arboriculture students climbing area trees. They will be demonstrating the use of a rope and climbing harness system; the system used to prune trees either in combination with or without an aerial lift truck. Climbing allows the arborist to prune from inside out while a bucket truck works from the outside in — many long-practicing arborist believe this is the ideal method to prune mature trees.

Campus and Manhattan community members are invited to share in any of the activities that encourage appreciation for our campus trees.