UND’s campus expanded its greenery last month with the planting of new trees during the annual Arbor Day event. The ceremony, held on June 18, highlighted UND’s participation in the “Tree Campus Higher Education” program by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Jared Johnson, UND’s arborist, led the event and introduced this year’s tree selection: a Rejoice Crab Apple, Hillside Upright Norway Spruce, Royal Red Maple, and Crimson Spire Oak. He emphasized that these trees grow upwards rather than spreading outwards.
Vice President of Finance & Operations Karla Mongeon-Stewart reflected on the importance of trees to humanity beyond their environmental benefits. She noted that trees symbolize diversity and patience and stressed their interconnectedness through roots and underground networks.
Associate Vice President for Facilities Matthew Kibbon expressed gratitude to UND’s landscaping team for organizing the event. He described Arbor Day as a visionary effort that brings shelter and sustainability to landscapes like Nebraska’s open prairie.
“Trees on our campus do more than shade our walkways. They teach us, tell our history, define our spaces and quietly improve the health and well-being of our entire community,” Kibbon stated.
Following these speeches, Johnson thanked Mongeon-Stewart and Kibbon before proceeding with the tree planting alongside Melissa Grafenauer, UND’s horticulturist; campus landscapers; and President Andy Armacost.
