Students and Facilities’ Grounds Crew Plant Trees during Earth Month

May 2, 2017

On a recent Saturday morning, five members of The Princeton Wilderness Society, a student group, assisted Facilities’ Grounds crew with planting three trees on campus. The campus service opportunity was coordinated by the Office of Sustainability in celebration of Earth Month.

After planting trees, the students were treated to a tour of the University’s greenhouses, compost and mulch yard, and tree nursery where they learned how trees are extracted for transplanting on campus.  

students planting trees

Jazymn Blackburn '19 appreciated the chance to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into landscaping on campus. "I learned that the University makes very deliberate decisions about the greenery that it chooses to plant on campus. While much of the campus is built in a traditional gothic style, there are some areas that have more contemporary architecture, and the horticulture must complement these differing styles in a way that is both pleasing to the public and authentic to the University's character. The nursery is a part of Princeton University that I hadn't known existed prior to the outing, but I feel privileged that in my mind's eye, I get to add and appreciate another piece of the University's many services to my larger community puzzle."

Tyler Bozeman '18 added, "I really enjoyed hearing the Grounds staff speak about the process of planting and caring for the trees, as well as the knowledge that, in a minuscule way, I was helping to leave a physical mark upon this campus, the fullness of which won't be seen for another twenty years."

Learn more about the University's greenhouses and sustainable landscaping practices.