ISSUED: 9 October 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s campus will get a little greener on Sunday, October 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and the Campus Tree Committee is looking for volunteer students, faculty, staff, and others from the community to help plant new sycamore, pin oak, white oak, serviceberry, and eastern redbuds on the West Campus.
The Tree Committee, along with the Environmental Organization, and Biology Honor Fraternity are sponsoring the West Virginia Project CommuniTree fall planting. The Cacapon Institute donated tree kits which are valued at approximately $1,500. Shepherd is matching the grant with in-kind donations of volunteer labor, use of University equipment, mulch, and materials needed to plant the trees.
This is the second tree planting event the three organizations have sponsored this year to support the Jefferson County Urban Tree Canopy Iniative. On April 26, to commemorate Arbor Day, 30 student, faculty, and staff volunteers planted 34 trees on the berm behind the soccer field.
“By participating in these tree planting events, our students learn about different species of native trees, and how to plant and care for them,” said Dr. Carol Plautz, associate professor of biology and chair of the tree committee. “They also understand better the need to increase canopy in developed areas to help mitigate pollution and prevent erosion. Plus they enjoy helping to beautify their campus and provide trees that will help educate and shade future generations of students.
“Our students have been generous in volunteering their time for the tree plantings, and they genuinely enjoy not only digging in and getting dirty alongside their professors, but also the sense of accomplishment at seeing the trees flourish and grow,” Plautz added.
Volunteers should meet at the retention pond next to Dunlop and Printz halls wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, and bringing work gloves. For more information, contact Plautz at cplautz@shepherd.edu.
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