Tree Campus USA

Last week, I had the opportunity to help plant 50 trees across the Illinois State University campus. The university has every single tree native to Illinois planted on campus. ISU was chosen by the Arbor Day Foundation to host this large tree planting event because of how the groundskeepers effectively manage their trees, foster urban forests, and promote service learning through forestry management.

Along with several volunteers from various agriculture clubs to sustainability clubs, I was able to have an active role in this event. Beginning at 9 a.m. volunteers gathered and planted tree after tree. There was a press conference where the president of the university spoke along the horticulture club and student government presidents, and an Arbor Day representative.

To be part of something so huge was very rewarding. It was nice to step back and do something for others as this fast-paced society makes it so hard to do. I encourage you to find different ways you can give back to the community, or do something to benefit somebody else just because you feel like it. For years to come, people will be able to enjoy the trees that I have helped plant, and for that I am so glad I was able to get involved.