ISSUED: 6 November 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University west campus is a bit more green thanks to the efforts of 44 volunteers who helped plant sycamore, pin oak, white oak, serviceberry, and eastern redbud on October 26.
Shepherd’s Tree Committee, along with the Environmental Organization and Biology Honor Fraternity, sponsored the West Virginia Project CommuniTree fall planting event. The Cacapon Institute donated tree kits which were valued at approximately $1,500. Shepherd matched the grant with in-kind donations of volunteer labor, use of university equipment, mulch, and materials needed to plant the trees.
Students from many organizations, including Beta Beta Beta biology club, Alpha Phi Omega, the Multicultural Leadership Team, and Lambda Chi Alpha, helped along with members of the community including some Shepherd alumni.
“The work went smoothly thanks to the many pre-dug holes prepared by the Shepherd grounds crew, and to the large number of eager volunteers,” said Dr. Carol Plautz, associate professor of biology and chair of the tree committee.
“It was truly heartening to see such an enthusiastic response from our students, faculty, alumni, and friends who all recognize the importance of trees for education, beautification, and environmental health,” Plautz said.
“Planting a few trees may be a small gesture, but it is symbolic when a number of students participate in a process that shows the value of a living stand of trees,” said Dr. Carl Bell, professor of biology. “Trees serve as a support system for the birds and butterflies, and for humans they serve as a source of oxygen, as a sink for carbon dioxide, as a source of energy, and as an agent of air purification.”
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