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Sustainability at Penn

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April 26, 2011, Volume 57, No. 31

Arbor Day Celebration: April 30

Celebrate the importance of trees at Morris Arboretum’s annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 30, 1-3 p.m. This interactive family event will begin high in the tree canopy (50 feet above the forest floor) on the Out on a Limb exhibit, where visitors will receive a treasure hunt map. From Out on a Limb, they’ll experience trees up-close and learn about the many reasons we need trees. The trees of the Arboretum will provide the basis for a tree adventure treasure hunt including four tree activity stations. Interactive activities will focus on tree care, tree protection, where trees come from, and what trees give us. Visitors who complete the exploration will receive a seedling to take home.

Creating Canopy Program: Free Trees

As the first institution to take part in Philadelphia’s Creating Canopy program, the University of Pennsylvania partnered with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department on March 31 to distribute over 300 free trees to faculty and staff homeowners in the city to plant on their property.

Photos from the event are available online, www.flickr.com/photos/universityofpennsylvania/sets/72157626402801696/

Farmers’ Markets

During the year there are several farmers’ markets in the area. Amongst those that are seasonal is the Farmers’ Market at 36th and Walnut Streets which will return May 5 and run Wednesdays, through November 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Year-round shopping is available at Clark Park, 43rd Street & Baltimore Avenue, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays and east of 38th Street at Powelton and Lancaster Avenue, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Penn Tree Program Commemorating Graduates

Earlier this month Morris Arboretum Director Paul Meyer joined Penn students at Penn’s College Green to dedicate and plant a tree as part of a new program linking Penn to its own Morris Arboretum. The idea is for the creation of a new Penn tradition, where each year a tree is planted and dedicated on the Penn campus in honor of the graduating senior class.

Bill Hohns, W’74, who sponsored the Penn Tree Program thinks that “the program is simple, both in its concept and execution; without significant staff cost to the University or Arboretum; and, through the placement of distinctive trees over time, can dramatically influence the appearance of the campus while building pride for each graduating class year.”

Each year, the Arboretum, in consultation with the University Landscape Architect, will provide that year’s graduating class with a selection of 3-4 specimen trees, one of which would be selected by that class as their Penn Tree.  By engaging Morris Arboretum for the choices, the senior class is assured that the urban and other requirements of the Penn campus are carefully considered.  The Class of 2011 voted and selected the Legacy Sugar Maple as their “Penn Tree.”

The second component of the Penn Tree Program is that, in addition to the tree planting on the Penn campus each year, the Arboretum will either select an existing tree on its grounds, or where the selection of the campus Penn Tree conforms to the Arboretum’s environment and curatorial plans, may plant a companion tree on its grounds.  The companion tree at the Arboretum will bear signage dedicating the tree to each graduating class.

Tree Campus USA Distinction

For the second year, the University of Pennsylvania earned Tree Campus USA recognition for 2010 for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.

Tree Campus USA is a national program of the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship.

Penn in Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges

The University of Pennsylvania is featured in the The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition. The guide profiles institutions that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. Among many achievements, Penn was noted for being a signatory of American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), its Climate Action Plan, having a full-time Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, being a leader in wind energy purchase and for pursuing LEED certification for current and future projects.

Related: RecycleMania 2011 Results; Completing the Inn at Penn's Renovations–with an Emphasis on Sustainability

Almanac - April 26, 2011, Volume 57, No. 31