The Indiana University Columbus campus's identity is intimately tied to its beautiful and diverse landscape character. The existing tree canopy is the essential building block of that character as it notes the stability of the institution and the ideals for which it stands.
To help ensure this resource, whether in the form of street trees, park areas, or true woods, is available for generations to come, our plan strives to provide the framework of policies, practices, and strategies to retain and sustain a healthy wooded canopy.
IU Columbus participated in Arbor Day activities in April 2019. We planted 14 trees, pruned 35 trees and removed twelve. We had 36 hours of volunteer labor and other contributors from student and civic organizations. We are providing a campus and public education about tree care and have developed our own tree care plan. We are applying to be a Tree Campus this fall which, upon approval, includes a flag that we can fly on our campus to show our dedication to the environment. Pictured below are our faculty, staff, and students participating in the event.
Some trees were so heavy they had to be brought out to the designated planting area by our facilities staff who helped to prepare the landscape.
The university is currently completing a master plan study process that will also produce formal design guidelines for the campus landscape. Currently the existing tree canopy for our campus is 14.2% of the total land area. The goal identified in the guidelines is to increase that to 20%.
Plant stock was mixed with B&B, container, and bare root plantings. We were also able to use a mixture from our own composting source on campus.
Protection of the existing trees has always been a primary objective of the stewards of the Columbus campus. The responsibility for the care of campus trees resides with the Department of Facilities, specifically within landscape services grounds maintenance.
We will be celebrating Arbor Day again this coming year, stay tuned for flyers and information about activities and how you can participate!
