CSU Celebrates Earth Day by Planting 150 Trees

Colorado State University is celebrating its 150th anniversary and Earth Day in a way that only Rams could.

The institution's Facilities Management staff will start planting 150 trees on Wednesday (April 22) on the main campus.

The new additions will replace ash trees that are being taken out due to the impending arrival of the emerald ash borer, as well as ones that have been removed for construction projects.

According to Source, the planting represents the Facilities Management Outdoor Services Group's commitment to urban forestry and education.

The university qualifies as a Level 2 Campus Arboretum, and currently maintains around 10,000 trees between its Main, South, and Foothills campuses.

This dedication to urban forestry is especially important due to CSU's land-grant heritage, as the institution promises to honor its campus as "the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute Nations and peoples."

Part of the Earth Day project is also a nod to former CSU President and current System Chancellor Tony Frank.

A commemorative tree will be planted on the Oval in his name to recognize his advocacy for sustainability. During his time as president, Frank created the Sustainability Commission and signed the Climate Reality Pledge.

Students and other employees were originally supposed to join in on the project, but are no longer able to due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

However, CSU will surely look beautiful once Rams are able to return to campus.