KU ARCHIVES
The future canopy, planted next to the street in the 1920s, lines Jayhawk Boulevard as it curves in front of Old Snow Hall (at left) toward the west. One small young elm is visible directly in front of the car in the foreground. Campus planners hope to bring back the canopy with a mix of trees.
But KU could lose other signature plantings, too. The spring-blooming crabapples and redbuds — many of them planted in the 1940s in a widescale effort led by Eleanor Malott, wife of Chancellor Deane Malott — are reaching the end of their natural lives. Nor can we take for granted the walnut trees of Marvin Grove, originally planted in the 1870s, or the lilacs of Lilac Lane. “We can’t rely on the landscape investments of previous generations,” Livingood said. “The saying goes, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second-best time is now.’”
Steering committee members for the heritage plan believe KU could bring back the boulevard canopy with a mix of new, disease-resistant trees. They imagine a growing hilltop campus that maintains its spectacular views to the horizon. They ask that historic features be held in high priority as KU considers the design and placement of new buildings — and as it seeks new ways that cherished places can serve students and faculty. A university campus is dynamic, in a state of continuous creation. With
broad support, the distinctive features of Mount Oread’s first hundred years will inspire the great-grandchildren of today’s students, even as KU meets needs we can’t even imagine.
CONTACT US Opportunities for supporting the stewardship of Mount Oread’s assets range widely. Priority projects are listed at right. To discuss ways to help, contact Dale Slusser, 785-832-7458 or dslusser@ kuendowment.org.
“This plan gives us a tool for considering the consequences of change and for making DOUG BARTH
informed decisions.” – Peg Livingood, project manager, Campus Heritage Plan Meticulously restored and expanded through private funds, Danforth Chapel now serves its purposes better than ever.
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KU GIVING
FALL 2008