Replant Mount Oread will return flowering crabapples to Daisy Hill


LAWRENCE — Alumni of the Daisy Hill residence halls at the University of Kansas may recall crabapple trees blooming each spring behind Hashinger and Lewis halls. But today, very few trees remain along that stretch of Irving Hill Road. 

Replant Mount Oread plans to change that this spring by planting as many as 37 crabapple trees along this major route between Daisy Hill and the academic core of campus. Four varieties of crabapples, which flower in the spring in shades from white to magenta, will line the west side of the road and be planted along the southeast corner of Hashinger Hall. 

Planting will begin at 10:30 AM May 1 and continue until the landscaping is completed. Volunteers from campus and the community interested in participating can sign up at http://www.sustain.ku.edu/replant/volunteer.

Now in its fourth year, Replant Mount Oread is an initiative to raise funds for trees and involve the campus community in planting areas targeted for landscaping improvements. Through the generous support of donors, the program was able to plant more than 50 trees and shrubs on campus in 2014, including pear trees, pine shrubs and shade trees. More than 70 volunteers joined staff from Facilities Services, Design & Construction Management and the Center for Sustainability to assist with the plantings.

Later this year, Replant will be replacing the existing ash trees along West Campus Road in front of the School of Education building, Joseph R. Pearson Hall, and Carruth O’Leary Hall. Approximately 15 shade trees will be planted between 11th Street and the entrance to Memorial Drive as part of the project. In order to raise the nearly $15,000 needed for the two projects, the Campus Tree Advisory Board again seeks donations to support the initiative, which can be made through KU Endowment at www.kuendowment.org/replantmtoread

Replant Mount Oread is part of the University’s efforts to meet Tree Campus USA standards. The Arbor Day Foundation recently honored KU with this recognition for the third year in a row. Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation and sponsored by Toyota to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

Wed, 04/15/2015

author

Jeff Severin

Media Contacts

Jeff Severin

Center for Sustainability

785-864-5804