112 Years of Arbor Day
The Haverford College Arboretum has been celebrating Arbor Day by planting a tree on campus for 112 years. This year’s tree was Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ and was planted in front of Chase Hall. There had been a very large oak in the vicinity that had declined and was removed 2 years ago. This oak was likely planted a few years after the completion of Chase Hall in 1889.
The event brought out faculty, staff, students, neighbors and retirees. Plant dividends were offered to all and the participants assisted by ceremoniously putting a shovel full of soil in the hole. Arboretum Director, Bill Astifan and Horticulturist, Carol Wagner both spoke.
The tradition continues as the Arboretum staff thoughtfully replaces the lost trees with new ones to perpetuate an ongoing legacy of the beauty and majesty of the Haverford campus.
