Latest news with #EasternRosebud
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Tree of Knowledge: Fairmont State receives Division of Forestry grant for planting project
Jun. 11—FAIRMONT — Don't call it "landscaping." Fairmont State University last week received a grant from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, which it will use for a tree-planting project on its Locust Avenue campus — but the motivation, participants say, has roots going way deeper. "The trees themselves are a great project, " architecture major Ryan Williams said. They include the American Holly, Eastern Rosebud, Common Witch Hazel trees, all of which are native to north-central West Virginia, and all planted near the dormitories that line the Campus Drive East entrances, which are currently devoid of greenery. "But even more than that, I hope it will inspire more students to get involved, " continued Williams, who is on the school's Creative Sustainability Council and helped secure the Community EquiTree grant through the forestry division. "The more people are engaged with their community and campus, " the student said of the project expected to be completed at month's end, "the more we can better serve." And the best way to engage and serve, Williams continued, is by celebrating nature, which is perpetually blooming, growing and evolving. Such celebration, the student said, happens whether we realize it or not. For many, the academic family tree goes back 41 years to 1984, when celebrated biologist and naturalist Edmund O. Wilson wrote and published a slim book he titled, "Biophilia " — or literally, "love of life." "Life, " in the case of Fairmont State, being what happens on the other side of the classroom wall. Humans, inherently — and unconsciously, even — just "feel " better in the presence of greenery and trees in places they may not normally be found, the naturalist surmised. Especially, he said, in cities and other locales where concrete, neon and gray buildings prevail. College campuses, too. At the height of the pandemic five years ago, with its student population sequestered under quarantine, Fairmont State did a nod to Wilson. The university created Falcon Park, a walking trail which takes in 7.9 wooded acres at the top of campus and is a haven for native birds, turtles and butterflies. Falcon Park has since been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Meanwhile, the most recent tree project, said Devin Carpenter, an assistant construction manager at Fairmont State, will be enjoyed for future generations — aesthetically and environmentally. As the trees grow, he said, their root systems will stabilize hillsides, preventing soil erosion. Their canopies will shade asphalt during the hottest days of summer. And their fall foliage will add to the beauty of campus, Carpenter said. "And they offer back to nature a piece of what urban development once removed, " he said.
Dominion Post
2 days ago
- Science
- Dominion Post
Tree of Knowledge: Fairmont State receives Division of Forestry grant for planting project
FAIRMONT – Don't call it 'landscaping.' Fairmont State University last week received a grant from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, which it will use for a tree-planting project on its Locust Avenue campus – but the motivation, participants say, has roots going way deeper. 'The trees themselves are a great project,' architecture major Ryan Williams said. They include the American Holly, Eastern Rosebud, Common Witch Hazel trees, all of which are native to north-central West Virginia, and all planted near the dormitories that line the Campus Drive East entrances, which are currently devoid of greenery. 'But even more than that, I hope it will inspire more students to get involved,' continued Williams, who is on the school's Creative Sustainability Council and helped secure the Community EquiTree grant through the forestry division. 'The more people are engaged with their community and campus,' the student said of the project expected to be completed at month's end, 'the more we can better serve.' And the best way to engage and serve, Williams continued, is by celebrating nature, which is perpetually blooming, growing and evolving. Such celebration, the student said, happens whether we realize it or not. For many, the academic family tree goes back 41 years to 1984, when celebrated biologist and naturalist Edmund O. Wilson wrote and published a slim book he titled, 'Biophilia' – or literally, 'love of life.' 'Life,' in the case of Fairmont State, being what happens on the other side of the classroom wall. Humans, inherently – and unconsciously, even – just 'feel' better in the presence of greenery and trees in places they may not normally be found, the naturalist surmised. Especially, he said, in cities and other locales where concrete, neon and gray buildings prevail. College campuses, too. At the height of the pandemic five years ago, with its student population sequestered under quarantine, Fairmont State did a nod to Wilson. The university created Falcon Park, a walking trail which takes in 7.9 wooded acres at the top of campus and is a haven for native birds, turtles and butterflies. Falcon Park has since been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Meanwhile, the most recent tree project, said Devin Carpenter, an assistant construction manager at Fairmont State, will be enjoyed for future generations – aesthetically and environmentally. As the trees grow, he said, their root systems will stabilize hillsides, preventing soil erosion. Their canopies will shade asphalt during the hottest days of summer. And their fall foliage will add to the beauty of campus, Carpenter said. 'And they offer back to nature a piece of what urban development once removed,' he said.
