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SALISBURY, MD---¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ recently celebrated Maryland’s 140th Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony. 

“It’s a pleasure to help celebrate this important day on campus,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “I hope this new tree is a legacy we are leaving for the next century and is recognition of the commitment our institution is making today to preserve the environment for years to come.”

Other guest speakers included William Lowery, SU senior horticulturist; Frank Bowen, assistant director of SU horticulture and grounds; Nancy Mitchell, City of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ poet laureate; Tom Horton, professor of practice in the SU Environmental Studies Department; and SU alumna Anne Gilbert of the Maryland Forest Service. 

Following remarks, speakers and guests helped plant a black oak tree on the lawn of Holloway Hall. 

“SU’s Horticulture Department likes to say that we celebrate Arbor Day every day on campus,” said Lowery. “We strive for a robust tree planting season every year. Adding another keystone species like the black oak allows us to increase our biodiversity. We encourage individuals to plant more trees in their communities for all to benefit.”  

This marks the second black oak tree on SU’s campus. The first, near the Guerrieri Student Union, is over 120 feet tall and is estimated to be over 150 years old. The tree is designated as a Wicomico County Champion species, the largest black oak tree in the county. 

Speakers shared remarks on the importance of trees and nature, the history of SU’s nationally ranked arboretum and nature in poetry, and announced this year’s arboretum accolades. Gilbert ’11 presented SU with its eighth Tree Campus USA designation and 25th People Loving and Nurturing Trees (PLANT) award.  

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.