When a white oak tree from the north campus of Baldwin Wallace University was taken down because of an attack by the two-lined chestnut borer, Architectural Justice helped create an exhibit to document the history of the tree. It was estimated that the tree’s age was between 170-175 years and was likely planted at or soon after the founding of the University.
At Architectural Justice we have built a bandsaw mill that can cut logs up to 48″ wide and have solar kilns for drying wood. After cutting and drying the wood we marked the rings with key years in BW history, a visual demonstration of how the tree’s life coincided with the University’s. We then built a custom display case for the slice and installed in the Telfer Hall lobby.
Last week BW celebrated Earth Day & Arbor Day by planting trees, cleaning up the native plant garden and unveiling the new tree ring exhibit. BW has been honored with Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for a “commitment to promoting healthy trees and engaging students in conservation.” It is among 13 colleges in Ohio to receive this designation. As part of the Tree Campus USA designation process, BW completed an inventory of every campus tree, counting an incredible 1,500-plus trees in all, belonging to 107 species.
Thank you BW for all your efforts in tree conservation. Happy Arbor Day!
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