Andrea Nichols, Utility Arborist for NIPSCO and Duke Energy, explains to Grace College General Ecology students the role a tulip tree will play in making Grace College a more environmentally mindful campus.

By MADISSON HEINL
Communications Specialist, Center For Lakes & Streams At Grace College

WINONA LAKE — Grace College General Ecology students assisted and heard from local NIPSCO and Utility Arborist, Andrea Nichols, Tuesday, Oct. 6, as they planted two native trees from Dogwood Hills Tree Farm. The trees were planted in front of the Cooley Science Center at Grace College.

NIPSCO donated 10 trees (supplied by Dogwood Hills Tree Farm) native to Indiana which were planted around the Grace College campus Tuesday. The tree species placed in front of the Science Center were chosen by Dr. Nate Bosch’s General Ecology students this semester.

Grace College students, Isaac Mansfield and Kim Ramont, assist in planting a sweet gum tree in front of the Cooley Science Center.

More than 50 of these students observed as the trees were planted and assisted in planting and mulching. Bosch expressed, “The students were excited to put the principles we have been learning about in class into practice. Projects like these are what will ensure that Grace continues to be a beautifully green campus into the future.”

The trees, a tulip tree and a sweet gum tree, are species native to Indiana and are part of Grace College’s strategy to create more green space on campus. Jeff Buriff, supervisor of groundskeeping on the Grace College campus, and the groundskeeping team continue to enhance green space at Grace College which provides opportunities to students.

Grace College was on the Christian Universities Online (2015) top “50 Most Beautiful Christian College & University Campuses in the World” list.

Nichols stated that planting trees native to Indiana on campus is important as “native trees are made to be planted in the region in which they’re growing” and are more pest and disease resistant as a result. She also explained, “Colleges have such an opportunity to set an example for the community. Trees are such a touchstone for all disciplines.”

Trees not only assist with campus aesthetics, but are intentionally placed to assist in cutting energy costs as they shade buildings.

Students from Dr. Nate Bosch’s General Ecology class each make the American Sign Language sign for “tree” as they stand behind a sweet gum tree that was planted in front of the Cooley Science Center at Grace College.