The trees on the Iowa State University campus enhance its aesthetic and ecological character. These diverse plantings create a welcoming outdoor environment. The careful planning and ongoing maintenance of this extensive tree collection underscore the university’s dedication to its natural surroundings. This living landscape provides a unique educational resource and a serene space for contemplation and recreation.
The Iowa State University Campus as an Arboretum
The Iowa State University campus functions as a vast, living arboretum. With over 13,000 trees spread across the grounds, the campus showcases a wide variety of species. This extensive collection is managed with intentional planning and consistent development, reflecting a commitment to horticulture and natural beauty. Facilities Planning and Management maintains comprehensive landscape maps and a plant inventory, detailing the species, location, and approximate canopy size of trees and shrubs across campus.
An arborist is employed by Iowa State University to monitor the condition of campus trees, ensuring their health and longevity. This professional oversight helps preserve mature specimens and guides new plantings. The strategic placement and cultivation of these trees over many decades have transformed the campus into an arboretum, providing a rich botanical experience.
Notable Trees and Collections
The campus features notable trees and specialized collections. One such notable specimen is an American sycamore located at the northeast corner of Lincoln Way and University Boulevard, believed to be hundreds of years old. Another significant grouping is Sycamore Row, a stretch of 42 century-old American sycamore trees planted between 1910 and 1920 along the route of the former Dinky rail line.
The campus also features other historically relevant trees, such as a large black maple from the William M. Beardshear Memorial Grove, dedicated in 1917 to a former Iowa State College president. Similarly, a red oak planted in 1917 honored Seaman Knapp, an early agriculture program chair and university president. Reiman Gardens, a 17-acre public garden south of Jack Trice Stadium, offers over 6,000 plant types across more than 20 distinct garden areas. This includes specialized collections like the Buck Rose Collection, Viburnum Collection, and Bulb Collection, showcasing a diverse array of plants.
Ecological and Educational Importance
Campus trees provide numerous ecological benefits. They play a role in improving air quality, filtering water, and protecting soil from erosion. These trees also offer habitat for wildlife and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the campus through their seasonal fall colors. Older trees are particularly effective at carbon storage, making established campus trees important for environmental sustainability.
Beyond their ecological contributions, these trees serve as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for students and faculty. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management offers a forestry curriculum that emphasizes the management and conservation of forest ecosystems, along with the interpretation of natural resources. Informational signs with QR codes have been placed near some campus trees, allowing individuals to learn about specific species and their history. The MyState app also includes a “Trees on Campus” section, providing an accessible tool for tree identification and education.
Experiencing the Trees
The campus tree collection is accessible through various self-guided opportunities and walking paths. The university’s Facilities Planning and Management maintains Campus Landscape Maps, which can guide visitors through different sections of the campus and highlight plant collections. Additionally, ISU WellBeing has developed several walking routes, ranging from half-mile to five-mile distances, that traverse the campus and offer a chance to experience its tree-lined landscapes.
For those interested in specific specimens, the MyState app features a “Trees on Campus” section with a map tool that allows users to locate particular species. The campus is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to observe vibrant foliage is in the fall, with peak viewing in Central Iowa occurring between October 9th and 17th. Spring also presents an appealing time to visit, as new growth emerges and many trees are planted.