From left are HPU Horticulturist Emily Merritt and Gardens Curator Emma Martone carrying trees to the greenway planting site.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 5, 2023 – High Point University students and gardens staff recently planted more trees on the public greenway that crosses campus.
The service-learning project was in support of HPU’s Tree Campus Higher Education designation, said Emma Martone, curator of the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Tree Campus Higher Education, an Arbor Day Foundation program, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
“Trees provide us with many benefits, including mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing energy consumption and providing greenspace, which supports the mental and physical wellbeing of our entire campus community,” said Martone. “The tree planting on the greenway extended the benefits of trees to the public and provided an opportunity for our students to contribute to our High Point community.”
The three trees planted on the greenway are Autumn Brilliance serviceberry trees, a hybrid between two native serviceberry species that grow in woodlands along the East Coast. Also known as Juneberry, the tree is famous for its beautiful purple-blue berries, which are edible and taste similar to blueberries.
“It’s a great tree for wildlife and is a host plant to several butterfly species and native bees, and provides food for birds,” said Martone. “We chose this species for the greenway because aside from its benefits to wildlife, it has wonderful four-season interest, including white blooms in spring and lovely fall foliage.”
Mike Auld, a junior majoring in media production and studio art from northern Virginia, said he thinks it’s great that HPU is planting more trees.
“I believe that a connection to nature always has a positive impact on a community,” said Auld.