Event Celebrates Campus as Arboretum and Botanical Garden

WHAT:

The University of Maryland celebrates its first year as an Arboretum, Botanical Garden and Tree Campus.

WHEN:

Friday, May 8, 2009, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Anne Arundel Hall Garden Patio (Preinkert Drive at Campus Drive).
Need a Map? See photos of the event.

Rain Location: Inside Anne Arundel Hall.

BACKGROUND:

In 2008, the American Public Garden Association approved the University of Maryland's application for the entire campus to become an arboretum and botanical garden. This designation affirmed the university's commitment to a green campus. A third honor came last year when the Arbor Day Foundation named Maryland a Tree Campus USA university for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship. Maryland was the first university in the state to receive this honor. See the Newsdesk release with more information, tree walk tour PDF, video interview with Arboretum Director Dr. Marla McIntosh and song by student Matt Kepler.

While the trees and plants enhance the quality of campus life, the campus provides a resource that is central to the educational, research and service missions of a great land grant university.The celebration helps the university community embrace its "new look and new way of looking at" the Maryland campus as an arboretum and botanical garden.

During the Friday, May 8 celebration, an Alumni Elm will be planted to honor three outstanding alumni for their public service and accomplishments related to public gardens and plant conservation.

The honored alumni who will be speaking are:

Scott Aker (Gardens Unit Leader, US National Arboretum)
Holly Shimizu (Executive Director, US Botanic Garden)
Sara Tangren (President, Chesapeake Natives)

MEDIA:

Media coverage is welcome. Parking is available in Lot 1 on campus. Please RSVP if possible to: 301-405-4638 or events@umd.edu.

CONTACT:

For more information, contact Dave Ottalini at 301-405-4076 or Prof. Marla McIntosh at 301-405-1323.

Where is the University of Maryland?

09076