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The Trees of Northwestern and Other Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors

This month, in recognition of National Love a Tree Day (May 16), we thought it appropriate to share some fun facts about them, including their history at Northwestern.

According to University Archives, when looking for an ideal spot to build the University, Orrington Lunt, one of Northwestern’s founders, saw a grove of oak trees with Lake Michigan glistening through it. He was so enamored by the sight that he gathered the Trustees at the site. They threw their hats in the air and yelled, “Eureka! We have found it!”

So began the enduring relationship between the Northwestern campus and the nearly 6,000 trees that provide its leafy canopy. Did you know…

  • The oldest tree on campus, The Old Oak, was 500 years old when it died in 1904. It was the preferred gathering place back in the day, equivalent to the importance of The Rock today.
  • Of the hundreds of tree varieties on campus, the Bur Oak is the hardiest and most tolerant of cold climates. It is slow growing and may reach ages approaching 1,000 years!
  • The oldest living tree on campus is a 250-year-old Bur Oak located just east of 1835 Hinman.
  • Each campus tree carries an embossed tag with a serial number so it can be easily traced for inventory purposes.
  • Our Evanston campus is a Certified Tree Campus through the Arbor Day Foundation. 

The University produced The Trees of Northwestern, a YouTube video where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of campus and learn more about the history of trees on campus. You may even spot your favorite one!

Ways to Celebrate Trees and Enjoy Spring!

Plant a Tree: You can arrange to have one tree (or a forest!) planted through the Arbor Day Foundation. You can also check with your city or village to learn if they provide tree-planting services for residents. You share the cost, and they do the rest.

Share Your Lunch Break: Get outside. Eat under a tree and enjoy its shade. (The tree will enjoy your company.)

Hug a Tree: Wrap your arms around a tree. Really. Trees help us de-stress and breathe easier. One large tree provides a day’s worth of oxygen for up to four people.

Attend the Memory of Nature: Talk and Campus Landscape Walk on June 15: Learn about the site-specific artwork by the Indonesian artist Arahmaiani installed outside The Block Museum of Art’s entrance. Hear how the artist explores the link between nature and religion using a garden bed that mirrors a mandala design. RSVP for this event.

Take a walk: The campus—and lakefront—is alive with trees. So, the next time you are strolling through campus, look up!

Our campus trees offer us a sanctuary for inspiration and reflection and remain constant in the hustle and bustle of academic life. This spring, take the time to push away from your desk, find your favorite tree, and embrace the campus in full bloom.