HPU Students Plant Oak Trees on Greenway That Passes Through Campus

Twenty-two High Point University Natural Science Fellows rolled up their sleeves to plant 10 native oak trees on the section of the High Point Greenway that crosses through HPU’s campus. Juniors Gia Cicero, left, and Helia Osareh, right, learned proper excavation techniques from Emma Martone, curator of the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 19, 2025 – Twenty-two High Point University Natural Science Fellows rolled up their sleeves to plant 10 native oak trees on the section of the High Point Greenway that crosses through HPU’s campus.

The types of oak trees they planted on Nov. 7 included shumard, nuttall, white and swamp white oak, said Emma Martone, curator of the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

“These oaks were selected because they would be likely to naturally occur in a low area like this near a creek, and because of their incredible benefit to wildlife,” Martone said. “Oaks are hosts to many insect species, which in turn feed birds and other animals. The greenway is currently mostly barren turf. Adding the trees will add much-needed shade and beauty that will be enjoyed by people and wildlife alike.”

The group of students also removed invasive kudzu vines from existing trees nearby to prevent the vines from spreading and choking out native trees and plants. This experience gave students an opportunity to learn while completing a community service project, which is part of the Tree Campus Higher Education designation that HPU has earned for 16 consecutive years.

Jake Ankrum, a sophomore physics and biochemistry double major, said the Natural Science Fellows appreciate completing service-learning projects like this one because the community is foundational to their identity as students. The fellows hope their contribution to the university will prove to be a timeless act that students will continue to enjoy for generations to come.

“The cooperative and selfless culture of High Point University creates a special atmosphere, and we look to continue this tradition with our service-based project,” said Ankrum, who is from Monument, Colorado. “In the spirit of the natural sciences, research shows that nature has the potential to reduce stress while also benefiting mental and physical health. By actively working to improve our natural spaces, we hope to create a place where students of all disciplines can relax and experience these positive effects.”

To explain the fellows’ motivations about the tree-planting project, Ankrum referred to a quote from author Nelson Henderson, who said, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”