Tree Advisory Committee Project Creates New Campus Space

 
Several organizations came together to create a new enjoyable outdoor space on an underutilized portion of campus along Bear Creek.
 
To kick off Earth Week on April 15, a number of organizations worked along the creek southwest of West Campus Suites to the pedestrian bridge between the Student Recreation Center and Centennial Hall. These volunteer groups, along with the help from the Missouri Department of Conservation, cleared and cut brush, collected litter and removed leaves from the area. This was done to create two newly cleared spaces that were outfitted with seating, new native plants and fresh landscaping.
 
One hundred native plants and two cut wood benches were donated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Funding from the sustainability fee allowed for the purchase of large boulders, and student volunteers helped make this project a complete success. The hope is this new seating area will be utilized by students and the public for many years to come.
 
Organizations with members who participated in the project include ECO, Blue Key, TruOutdoors, College Dems, Student Climate Union and Tri-Beta. Jessie Coleman, the Sustainability Office intern, helped organize the student groups in attendance. Truman Grounds also provided some tools and gloves, in addition to removing the brush piles once the project was completed.
 
The main goal of this project was to include student organizations. This project expanded on the idea of “Adopt-A-Highway or Street” used by MoDOT and Kirksville. The groups that participated in the clean-up portion have already agreed to the commitment of assisting with maintaining this area, which is open for the entire campus community to use.