National Arbor Day
In Spring 2023, Yale University proudly garnered Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Together with over 500 volunteer tree-planting hours from students, alumni, faculty, and staff, this honor is the result of a nine-year collaborative effort of a core group of staff members from the Office of Sustainability, Facilities, Office of Public Affairs and Communications, and the Urban Resources Initiative at the School of the Environment. Our campus joins 411 university and college campuses across the U.S. in meeting five vigorous standards that include an annual campus-wide celebration to enhance learning about the benefits of trees.
When it comes to celebrating National Arbor Day at Yale, all are invited to participate and there’s something for everyone. Check out a few of the ideas below and be sure to give your favorite tree a hug!
Trail Blazers
Commune with the trees! Explore a campus trail or wander farther afield.
Campus walks
- Arbor Day Lunchtime “Walk and Talks” (guided by Yale experts)
- Tuesday, April 23, noon – 1 p.m., begin at the steps of the Schwarzman Center to Hillhouse Avenue/Science Hill area sponsored by Yale Being Well and Sustainability programs.
- Friday, April 26, noon – 1 p.m., Leisurely stroll while learning about the significance of Yale’s impressive urban landscape design. Beginning at Phelps Gate (344 College Street), we will visit several points of interest in the Old Campus vicinity including Staff Service Recognition tree groves in the heart of campus. Sponsored by Yale Facilities, School of the Environment, and the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
- Yale Nature Walk
- Arboretum Tour of the Grove Street Cemetery (self-guided)
- Yale’s Staff Service Recognition milestone tree trail (self-guided)
Walks beyond campus
Tree Planters and Huggers
Dig deep. Do good.
Volunteer to plant trees to recognize Yale staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries on April 16, 3 p.m., 34 Hillhouse Avenue.
Zen Masters
Research shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and creativity. See for yourself.
- Yale Community Meditation: Wisdom of Trees, April 22, 12:15 p.m.
- Nature-themed Mindfulness Monday at the Good Life Center Lounge at Schwarzman, April 22, 1-1:30 p.m.
- Drop Into Mindfulness: Outdoor Walking Meditation at the Good Life Center Lounge at Schwarzman, April 23, 3-3:30 p.m.
- Nature Immersion Walking Meditation, April 25, 12:15 p.m.
- Arbor Day Tree Tour at Marsh Botanical Garden, April 26, 12:15 p.m.
Lifelong Learners
Yale stands tall as a leader in environmental studies. Take advantage and learn from the experts.
- Attend - Tribal Forestry: Understanding Current Issues & Challenges in Contemporary & Traditional Management of Forested Landscapes.
Speaker series hosted by Yale School of the Environment. Webinars are Thursdays, January 18 - April 25 from noon-12:55 p.m. - Read - On a Warming Planet, Urban Trees Become Critical Infrastructure. Recommended by Yale’s Office of Sustainability.
- Create - a Homegrown National Park: Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy explains how. (Be sure to also check out his latest book, too, The Nature of Oaks.) Visit Tallamy’s website for talks, guidance, and resources.
- Explore - Be a citizen scientist: use the free app, iNaturalist, to report your sightings. Check out the Beyond Your Backdoor blog by Yale Peabody naturalist Jim Sirch to learn more.
- Listen - to a powerful replay of A Tree’s View of History: A Conversation with Lacy M. Johnson with Mary Evelyn Tucker at the Forest School at the School of the Environment. In this discussion, Lacy M. Johnson expands on her essay on the longleaf pine’s integral role in the American slave trade featured in the Autumn 2022 issue of Orion, and the ways in which trees bear witness to the evolution of culture and what they may be able to tell us about ourselves now.
Storytellers and Family-Fun Makers
Share your tree story.
Is there a soft spot in your heart for a special tree perhaps from your childhood or one that’s in your yard or neighborhood? Post a brief story and feel free to share a photo, too.
Looking for a little family fun while helping to make our city, region and world greener and healthier?
Check out the 16th Annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride/Hike, April 27.
Managers and Engagement Teams
Break out the fun with tree-themed staff engagement and recognition activities.
- Treat your team to a lunch break and enjoy one of the campus walks or wellness activities mentioned above.
- Play a few rounds of Tree Trivia! See details on how to play.
- Download the Chat Stickers collection and share the “Rootin’ for ya” and “Unbe-leaf-able” stickers to cheer on your colleagues.
- Make someone’s day. Send a Ycard to a staff member featuring a campus spring tree scene.