Tree-planting ceremonies set for April 11

tree

A number of trees on the Northwest campus, like the one shown above near
the new freshman residence complex, were nearly broken in half during a
severe mid-December ice storm.

As clean-up efforts continue in the wake of December’s devastating ice storm, planning goes on for a Friday, April 11, ceremony that will both celebrate the recovery effort and officially initiate the process of restoring the Northwest campus -- designated as the Missouri Arboretum -- to its pre-storm splendor.

The 2 p.m. event, which has a rain-out date of Friday, April 18, will include the planting by students, faculty, staff and University friends of 79 trees to replace those destroyed by a winter blast that covered branches with up to a quarter-inch of ice and literally split some trees in half.

President Dean L. Hubbard and first lady Aleta Hubbard will plant the first tree at the Memorial Bell Tower in recognition of the Northwest grounds crews who worked following the storm to fell trees and clear sidewalks and streets of dangerous debris.

Many of the employees gave up much of their winter holiday break to accomplish the initial clean-up. Still others came in to work from homes left without heat or electricity because of downed power lines.

Individuals, organizations, offices and departments are invited to donate funds needed to replace fallen trees. Sponsoring a tree costs $300, and many individuals and groups have already contributed.

Sponsorship covers the cost of the tree and its long-term care and maintenance. Donor names will be placed on a plaque near the tree. Gifts in smaller amounts are also welcome. For details and an online donation form, go to www.nwmissouri.edu/arboretum/overview.htm.

Those wishing to volunteer to plant a tree on April 11 should contact Amy Nally, coordinator of volunteer programs and service learning, by Tuesday, April 8. Nally’s campus phone number is 660.562.1954 (ext. 1954 on campus), and her e-mail address is anally@nwmissouri.edu.

All members of the Northwest community are invited to the event, whether or not they have sponsored a tree or signed up to help plant one.

Before the Dec. 11 storm, there were 1,300 trees growing on the Northwest campus, from saplings to towering evergreens. Ice damage forced the removal of 79 trees, or 6 percent of the University stand. Another 430 trees had to be pruned, some so severely that they will probably not survive. Forty percent of the campus tree population suffered at least some damage.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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