News Archives - 2007

Arbor Day is traditionally observed in the U.S. on the last Friday of April. Having begun in Nebraska in the late 1800s as an initiative to plant trees in the then foliage-barren state, Arbor Day has become to be recognized across the world as a day to invest in the future by putting spade to soil and planting a tree. Or saving one.

Augsburg has its own bit of history to celebrate on the day devoted to tree-hugging and one need look no further than the end of the sidewalk leading up to the front of the Lindell Library to witness it first hand.

In the summer of 1996, land on the corner of 22nd Avenue and 7th Street was being cleared to make way for the new library. Perched at the corner was a grand Catalpa tree, slated to be cut down. Although another Catalpa on the block had escaped demolition plans, campus tree-compatriots couldn't bear the thought of losing the grander of the two and they rallied for its inclusion in the landscape plan.

Campus representatives went back to the architects and plans were made to keep the Catalpa. As a sidenote, Catalpa trees are a rarity in the Northern landscape of large trees in that they flower profusely and give off a noticeable fragrance. They are also quite storm resistant.

When the Catalpa outside the Lindell Library and across the street from the Foss Center flowers in June and gives off its pleasant fragrance, pause and thank your fellow Auggies who fought to save it.

For more information on Arbor Day go to www.arborday.org.