Tree Campus Higher Education

Campus Visit Program Tours Expand to Include Tree Campus Higher Education and SIU Arboretum Points of Pride

In 2024, the Undergraduate Admissions Campus Visit Program tours expanded to include Tree Campus Higher Education and SIU Arboretum Points of Pride.  These tours are student and graduate assistant-led for all prospective students and families who visit campus, and they continue to be included in daily campus tours in 2025.  

In 2025, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus Higher Education designation for the tenth consecutive year. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for its commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 412 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor.

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated its Arbor Day observance by planting trees at the corner of South Oakland and Douglas Drive on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Since the initiative began years ago, students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers have planted well over 100 trees to ensure the university maintains its extensive biodiversity and beauty, according to Opie Piper, superintendent of grounds and chair of the Tree Campus committee. The 1,200-acre campus, home to more than 5,200 living trees, has also been a level 2 accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta through ArbNet since 2019, the first university in the state to earn this honor.

“We’ve got one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and that is due in part to the number of trees and the diversity,” Piper said. “There are about 155 different species of trees on our campus. We encourage everyone, including students and community members, to get involved in this project, helping to plant more than a dozen new trees to maintain our biodiversity.”

In 2024, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus Higher Education designation for the tenth consecutive year. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for its commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 411 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor.

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated its Arbor Day observance, with the planting of trees at the north entrance to campus (corner of Mill & Poplar Streets) on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The effort has been led by Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds and Chair of the Tree Campus committee.  As Dave retired April 30 with 18 years of service to the university, officials expressed appreciation for all he had done.  “Dave Tippy’s dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our university community,” Mark Owens, director of facilities and energy management said.  “His vision and tireless efforts in spearheading initiatives such as Tree Campus Higher Education and the SIU Arboretum have not only enhanced the beauty of our campus but have also fostered meaningful relationships and furthered our commitment to sustainability.”  “This event and the volunteers who make it happen are vital to maintaining the biodiversity and beauty of SIU’s campus.” Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds and Chair of the campus Tree Advisory Committee, said.

Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration

On October 24, 2023, the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee invited one hundred and seventy fourth-grade students from Carruthers School in Murphysboro, Illinois to attend the fifth annual Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration.

Three SIU organizations – the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee (chaired by Superintendent of Grounds David Tippy), the Forestry Club student organization, and the Society of American Foresters – orchestrated the event for the group of children from Carruthers Elementary School in Murphysboro.

The fourth graders enjoyed a guided walk led by members of the Society of American Foresters through parts of Thompson Woods and around Campus Lake, as they learned to identify various trees. The Forestry Club then presented competitive outdoor flora-related demonstrations and engaged the children in assorted tree-related activities on the lawn outside the Agriculture Building.

In 2023, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus Higher Education designation for the ninth consecutive year. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for its commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 410 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor.

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated its Arbor Day observance, with the planting of trees behind Lot 4 located between Communications and Thompson Point on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. “ SIU has a large tree population that we want to maintain or even grow. To do that, new trees need to be planted to replace the ones that we lose,” said Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds. “We also need to try and keep some strong diversity in our tree population. We are well aware of the devastation to the ash tree population caused by the emerald ash borer. Imagine if we had only a few species and ash comprised a large percentage. This event and the volunteers who make it happen are vital to maintaining the biodiversity and beauty of SIU’s campus.” Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds and Chair of the campus Tree Advisory Committee, said.

In 2022, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus Higher Education designation for the eighth consecutive year. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for the commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 411 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor.

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated their Arbor Day observance, with the planting of trees along South Illinois Avenue (US Highway 51) on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. “After two years of virtual events due to the pandemic, we are very excited to have an event that involves volunteer participation to highlight our Tree Campus program. We are always very impressed by the student, campus, and community interest, and participation in sustainability-related events.” Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds and Chair of the campus Tree Advisory Committee, said.

Due to Covid restrictions, our Tree Campus committee elected to create this educational video in lieu of our annual in-person tree planting event. University Communications and Marketing assisted in creating this online tutorial including considerations, instructions, and benefits of planting trees. Featured in this video are SIU student Pearl Deku, student Matt Tomlinson, and Plant & Services Operations Maintenance staff Laborer, Stephanie Wells. We hope you find this helpful in your tree planting endeavors! 

Due to COVID-19, like all universities, SIU Carbondale was faced with the dilemma of needing to accomplish a service-learning project, however we were unable to bring fourth grade students to campus as we normally did for the Campus Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration.  As a result, a virtual tree tour promotional idea was brought to life at the recommendation of the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee.  Logistical details became a group effort between Dave Tippy, Elizabeth Cheek, and Chris Gaertner of Plant & Service Operations, Tamarah Cook and Todd Duermeyer of Media & Communications, and forestry graduate students Raymond and Taryn Bieri.  Promotional information regarding the Old Main Tree Tour was shared on social media platforms on behalf of the university, as well as local media outlets. Here is a video on the Old Main Arboretum Tour. Fall 2020 members of the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee were; Elizabeth Cheek, Administrative Aide, Grounds Department; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Tyler Knop, Forestry Student; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Karen Schauwecker, Program Coordinator; Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds; Brian Walsh, Forestry Student.

                     360 Version:

Southern Illinois University Carbondale hosts a tree-planting event annually in April.  In 2020, this event was scheduled to occur on April 14, 2020, however due to COVID-19 restrictions this event had to be canceled.  Organizers encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate in this event.  The event, in celebration of Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday in April, and in conjunction with Tree Campus Higher Education initiative, the volunteers plant trees on campus in designated areas.  Plant and Service Operations and Southern Illinois University are sponsors of the tree-planting operation.  Spring 2020 members of the Tree Campus Higher Education Advisory Committee were; Elizabeth Cheek, Administrative Aide, Grounds Department; Austin Econie, Forestry Student; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Anastacia Hanauer, Undergraduate Assistant; Tyler Knop, Forestry Student; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Karen Schauwecker, Program Coordinator; Zachary Telford, Forestry Student; Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds.

Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration

On October 22, 2019, the Tree Campus USA Tree Advisory Committee invited one hundred and twenty-six fourth grade students from Carruthers School in Murphysboro, Illinois to attend the fourth annual Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration.

Students were taken on walks where they were introduced to our campus QR coding and learned identifying factors of approximately 30 trees. Forestry Club members demonstrated a variety of lumberjack sports including crosscut saw, underhand chopping, and ax throw.

Fall 2019 members of the Tree Advisory Committee were; Makenna Baxter, Forestry Student; Elizabeth Cheek, Administrative Assistant, Student Health Services; Donovan DeLeon, Forestry Student; Austin Econie, Forestry Student; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Anastacia Hanauer, Undergraduate Assistant; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Sustainability Coordinator; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Karen Schauwecker, Program Coordinator; Zachary Telford, Forestry Student; and Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

Tree Planting

In 2019, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus USA designation for the fifth consecutive year.  The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for the commitment to effective urban forest management.  At that time, there were 364 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor. “This is a nice acknowledgement for our campus because it recognizes our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds and Chair of the campus Tree Advisory Committee, said. 

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated their Arbor Day observance, with the planting of trees at lots #44 and #46 located north and west of the Communications building on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. 

Spring 2019 members of the Tree Advisory Committee were:  Makenna Baxter, Forestry Student; Elizabeth Cheek, Administrative Aide, Grounds; Austin Econie, Forestry Student; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Anastacia Hanauer, Undergraduate Assistant; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Sustainability Coordinator; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Katelyn Rasche, Forestry Student; Karen Schauwecker, Program Coordinator; Zachary Telford, Forestry Student; and Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration

On October 16, 2018, the Tree Campus USA Tree Advisory Committee invited one hundred and seventy fourth grade students from Carruthers School in Murphysboro, Illinois to attend the third annual Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration.

Students were taken on walks where they were introduced to our campus QR coding and learned identifying factors of approximately 30 trees. Forestry Club members demonstrated a variety of lumberjack sports including crosscut saw, underhand chopping, and ax throw. In addition, Andrew Ranney showcased tree climbing equipment and techniques used in the arboriculture industry.

Fall 2018 members of the Tree Advisory Committee were; Elizabeth Cheek, Account Technician III, Grounds; Austin Econie, Forestry Student; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Sustainability Coordinator; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Katherine McGrath, Forestry Student; Katelyn Rasche, Forestry Student; Karen Schauwecker, Program Coordinator; Zachary Telford, Forestry Student; and Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

 Below are some clips of media from the news:

Read more about the Tree Walk from WSIU/NPR.

Tree Planting

In March 2018, Southern Illinois University received its third national award as Tree Campus USA for 2017.  The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for the commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 348 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor and SIU Carbondale was one of 18 campuses in Illinois to receive this distinguished award. 

On April 17, 2018 in conjunction with the Tree Campus USA designation, SIU celebrated their Earth Day/Arbor Day observance by planting trees near lot 4 on the corner of Lincoln and Douglas Drive by Thompson Point. Faculty, staff, and students participated in this event. 

Spring 2018 members of the Tree Advisory Committee were:  Ashley Bergman, Forestry Student; Elizabeth Cheek, Account Technician III, Grounds; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Sustainability Coordinator; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Katherine McGrath, Forestry Student; Kevin McIntyre Forestry Student; and Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration 

During the event, classes of students were taken on separate tree walks where they were introduced to the campus QR coding and learned the identifying factors of approximately 30 trees. Afterwards, the Forestry Club prepared a demonstration for their entertainment featuring crosscut, underhand chopping, ax throw, and other lumberjack sports. In addition, committee member Kevin McIntyre demonstrated tree climbing.

In the news:

Murphysboro's Caruthers Elementary School fourth grade students went out on an adventure to learn about the different aspects of forestry.

The students also participated in a Tree Walk around campus.

Photos from Arbor Day Observance

Arbor Day falls on the last Friday in April each semester. In conjunction with Tree Campus USA initiative, volunteers plant trees on campus in designated areas. Plant and Service Operations and Southern Illinois University are sponsors of the tree-planting operation.

Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration 

This was the first SIUC Campus Tree Walk and Forestry Club Demonstration event. Activities included a tree walk, a Forestry Club demonstration, and entertainment including tree identification and a tree climbing demonstration from the Forestry Club.

Tree Planting

In 2016, Southern Illinois University began working on events to recertify its Tree Campus USA designation first earned in 2015. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized our university for the commitment to effective urban forest management. At that time, there were 254 campuses nationwide that were designated with this honor and SIU was one of 22 campuses in Illinois to receive the distinguished award.

Work had been underway for some time to achieve the Tree Campus USA designation, according to Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds and Chair of the Tree Advisory Committee. “Fortunately we have been able to solidify a good group of people dedicated to this cause. They brought with them a variety of backgrounds and knowledge that enabled us to sit down and produce a tree care plan for the SIU campus,” Tippy said. 

In conjunction with this designation, SIU celebrated their Arbor Day observance during Saluki Service Days, with the planting of trees at lot #7 in front of Pulliam Hall on Friday, April 22, 2016. 

Spring 2016 members of the Tree Advisory Committee were:  Ashley Bergman, Forestry Student; Elizabeth Cheek, Account Technician III, Grounds; John Groninger, Forestry Professor; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Sustainability Coordinator; Mark McDaniel, City of Carbondale Arborist; Katherine McGrath, Forestry Student; and Dave Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.