Celebrate Arbor Day, April 29

Photo by Laura Hancock / EOU is preparing to apply to become a Tree Campus USA through the Arbor Day Foundation. Efforts include planting more than 20 trees on Arbor Day.

EOU’s celebration of National Arbor Day April 29 is step toward earning Tree Campus USA recognition

LA GRANDE, Ore. April 18, 2016 – More than 20 new trees will soon be taking root at Eastern Oregon University as the school works to become a nationally recognized Tree Campus USA.

A selection of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, tamarack, Douglas fir, dwarf Austrian pine and vine maple – most native to the hills around campus – will be planted April 29, National Arbor Day.

Members of the Mountaineer football team and other student-athletes will be pitching in and everyone can get involved between 9-11 a.m. The trees will be going in on the west side of the Hoke Union Building and the northwest corner of Pierce Library.

David Yoder, campus grounds coordinator and ISA certified arborist, is championing efforts to cultivate EOU’s urban forest with the help of a newly formed tree advisory committee.

“I see this as a real benefit to our campus,” Yoder said. “It’s the right thing for the environment and the right thing for the community.”

When the Arbor Day Foundation approves EOU’s application, and Yoder is doing everything to ensure that it does, the university will become the fourth school in Oregon to receive Tree Campus USA recognition. A decision is expected in March 2017. EOU will participate in ongoing activities each year to teach proper tree selection, planting and care and demonstrate its commitment to campus community forestry.

Specific advantages of involvement for the university include acquiring even more trees for free or at a deep discount and collaboration with a national network of tree experts when there is a question or concern, Yoder said.

Joining Yoder on the advisory committee are Gary Keller, professor of business, David Lageson, director of facilities and planning, Mitch Staeffler, a student majoring in natural resources, and Brian Kelly, a consulting arborist and restoration director for the Hells Canyon Preservation Council.

For more on EOU’s Arbor Day observance and urban forestry plan call 541-786-3622 or email dyoder@eou.edu.

Visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s website for details on the Tree Campus USA program: www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa