ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY
Community UPDATE SPRING 2020
Trees on the Rockhurst University campus were recevntly the subject of a study.
STUDY SHEDS LIGHT on the Value of Campus Trees In the summer, they provide valuable shade. In the fall, they sprinkle autumnal beauty throughout campus. Rockhurst University just wouldn’t be the same without its trees. But until recently, we didn’t know that much about them. In September, Rockhurst University finished a study of all of the trees on campus. Jason Riordan, associate vice president of facilities operations, said the study was taken up as part of the University’s strategic plan, which in part sets goals as it relates to environmental sustainability. Trees play an important role not only in campus beauty, but in reducing energy costs and offsetting carbon dioxide, and this first-ever study helps the University understand how well they are performing.
“The goal is to increase the longevity of the trees we do have,” he said. “But it’s also a data-driven approach, and that data can help diversify the types of trees on campus for the future.” According to the study, campus is home to 529 trees — mostly pin oak, crabapple and honeylocust. Together, they contribute 26.02 tons of oxygen to the environment each year and take in 9.757 tons of carbon dioxide. Riordan said a special Google map was also created with the location of each tree that will eventually be shared on a sustainability page on the University’s website. He also said plans are under way to organize a series of public walking tours, starting in spring and guided by an arborist, of the trees on campus.