Lander University Continues Tradition of Observing Arbor Day

Lander University observed South Carolina’s Arbor Day with the dedication of two trees recently planted on campus.

A “Dawn Redwood,” a species native to China once thought to be extinct, was planted near the rear of Centennial Hall. While unimposing now, the tree will grow to a height of 120 feet in 40-50 years, according to Greenwood horticulturist and Lander Arboretum Committee member John Elsley, who spoke at the event.

A second tree, a Bald Cypress, was planted near the bridge behind Centennial Hall. When it’s mature, in 15 years, it will be about 20 feet tall, Elsley said.

Elsley said that the plantings continue Lander’s tradition of expanding its collection of trees “in an organized and professional way.”

Trees make the environment more hospitable by lowering carbon dioxide levels and temperatures, creating oxygen and purifying water, according to Lander Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Andrew Schwendemann, who also addressed the crowd.

“The world as we know it would be a vastly different place without trees,” he said.

Dignitaries in attendance at Lander University’s Arbor Day ceremony stand near a Bald Cypress, one of two trees recently added to the landscape. From left are Lander Arboretum Committee member JoAnn Purkerson; Charlotte Barmore, president of the Greenwood Council of Garden Clubs; Billie Elsley and her husband, horticulturist John Elsley; Lander President Rich Cosentino; Lander Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Andrew Schwendemann; Lander Vice President for Governmental Relations Adam Taylor; Arboretum Committee member Dr. Dewitt Stone; and Lander Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Diana Delach, who serves as president of the Arboretum Committee.