CARBONDALE – SIU Carbondale will commemorate Arbor Day and Earth Month with a tree planting next week.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the north entrance to campus on the corner of Mill and Poplar streets. The event will be held rain or shine.
Participants should dress appropriately for the planting; closed-toe shoes and jeans are recommended, and they should bring gloves. Tools will be provided.
SIU has earned honors annually since 2015 as a Tree Campus Higher Education and is currently one of just 410 campuses across the country to earn the designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.
The annual spring tree planting is among numerous reasons SIU continues to receive the honor. Since the initiative began, volunteers, faculty, staff and students have planted well over 100 trees to help the university maintain its extensive biodiversity and beauty.
The effort has been led by Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds and chair of the Tree Campus committee. As Tippy plans to retire April 30 with 18 years of service to the university, officials expressed appreciation for all he has done.
“Dave Tippy’s dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our university community,” said Mark Owens, director of facilities and energy management. “His vision and tireless efforts in spearheading initiatives such as Tree Campus Higher Education and the SIU Arboretum have not only enhanced the beauty of our campus but have also fostered meaningful relationships and furthered our commitment to sustainability. As Dave prepares to embark on the next chapter of his journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
To learn more about the tree planting or SIU’s Tree Campus Higher Education, visit the website or contact Tippy at dtippy@siu.edu or 618-453-8179.
