Tree Campus Higher Education

    In Spring 2020, Washington College completed the requirements to become Tree Campus Higher Education certified. 

    Tree Campus Higher Education

    The inaugural events to commemorate our Arboretum included planting a tree from Mount Vernon, and nourishing it with soil generated at the Campus Garden in collaboration with the Compost Team. Learn more about the tree dedication and Arbor Day celebration.

    The campus trees are doing well, thanks to the thoughtful stewardship of our dedicated grounds team led by Mallory Westlund, who follows best practices developed by our Tree Campus Higher Education committee. 

    Virginia Gent Decker Arboretum sign

    A special sign produced by Brian Palmer, Director of Digital Media Services commemorates the rededication of our Campus Arboretum. Engraved on wood from a campus tree, it showcases our Arboretum logo designed by naturalist Pamela Cowart-Rickman. It is gently illuminated with embedded LEDs, positioned in the shade of one of our campus’ magnificent canopy trees.

     


    Campus Arboretum

    One of our ongoing projects is updating the inventory of our campus arboretum (PDF), which showcases over 700 trees! Peek inside the 1997 arboretum inventory for a preview of our forthcoming list!


    Our Arboretum Team


    Tree Reflections

    Naming the Sycamore (PDF), the 2022 Warner Prize-winning essay by Brennan Kiefer.

    Farewell to a Beech Tree by Alaina Perdon '22.