So the arborists in the landscape department have been working hard to achieve this goal and were excited to welcome staff and students (as well as other guests like us!) to take part in the day's festivities. One of those arborists happen to be Steve so we were there to experience this day first hand!
First, Darrell (another Landscape Supervisor) told the history of Arbor Day and how it came to be. Then President Dunn spoke and acknowledged the hard work the arborists and the landscape department have put into the campus and this event. After that, Steve explained the Tree Tour around campus - there was a guided tour directly after the gathering or self-guided using the maps provided. Last, Darrell talked about the tree selection for this year's planting. They chose the Common Hackberry due to the soil conditions in that particular area as well as it's hardiness to endure exposure to the elements (ie salt during snow removal).
That is when the fun began! Tanner was there with his little plastic shovel and was itching to help plant the tree so someone mentioned that he should be the first to throw the soil in the hole. But then it was appointed that President Dunn would do the honors so he motioned for Tanner to come help him plant the tree! So he showed Tanner how to scoop that soil and throw it in the hole! It was a cute moment!
Just about everyone had an opportunity to help plant the tree and after a little while even Buster the Bronco showed up!! I wasn't sure how Tanner would respond since he's never seen a character like that but he LOVED him!! He kept going over and giving Buster a hug and giving him five and asking him questions!
To top it all off - it was a beautiful day! Oh...and if you are interested in taking a Tree Tour of the WMU campus, you can find maps here.
Tanner did some pre-planting scoops before the gathering began!
Dumping in the soil!
Digging the soil with President Dunn.
Heave-ho!
Who knew planting a tree could be so fun!!
A special moment!
Greeting Buster.
Giving a big hug!!
Steve, Tanner, Darrell and Buster by the official Tree Campus USA sign.
After the tree planting, we went on our own guided tree tour with Steve! Here's our little tree hugger!
And kisser!
Riding on the back of the cart with his prizes! An Arbor Foundation pencil and the dandelions he picked!
"Driving" the cart! (Rivaling with Buster for 'highlight of the day'!)
