Yale's Celebration of Arbor Day

Now in its third year, Yale University has again proudly garnered Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Together with nearly 600 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

Featured Arbor Day event:

“Birds and Blossoms” guided nature walk - Friday, April 25, 2025, noon – 1 p.m. Take a leisurely stroll while birdwatching and learning from Yale experts about the significance of our campus’ impressive urban forests. Beginning at the base of Kline Tower (219 Prospect Street), we will visit several points of interest including Marsh and Farnam Gardens plus Staff Service Recognition tree groves in the vicinity of Science Hill. Bring your curiosity and binoculars to spot our feathered friends.

This walk is closed to further registration.

Sponsored by Yale Facilities, Being Well at Yale, School of the Environment, Sustainability, and the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

West Campus Wildlife Walk – Friday, April 25, 9 - 11 a.m.

Spring migrant bird walk with the Yale Peabody Museum and colleagues.

Meet at the West Campus Conference Center for a round-trip walk of around 1.5 miles. Sturdy footwear recommended. Binoculars supplied. Refreshments at the West Campus Barn. Rain cancels. Add to calendar.

This walk is part of a series exploring the nature trails, woodlands, and natural landscape of Yale’s West Campus. Sponsored by Yale West Campus Administration as part of the Campus Belonging Plan

Self-guided campus walks:

Walks beyond campus:

Tree Planters and Huggers

Dig deep. Do good.

Volunteer to plant trees to recognize Yale staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries on May 17, 9 a.m. – noon, Library Walk.

Zen Masters

Research shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and creativity. See for yourself.

Yale Community Meditation on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 12:15 p.m.
Yale Community Meditation on Arbor Day, Friday, April 25, 12:15 p.m.

Lifelong Learners

Yale stands tall as a leader in environmental studies. Take advantage and learn from the experts.

Watch a recent presentation on by Matt Browning on the Health Benefits of Urban Greening, part of the 2025 Spring Speaker Series on data-driven urban forestry hosted by Yale School of the Environment’s Hixon Center for Urban Sustainability.

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 the free app, iNaturalist, to tap into your inner citizen scientist and report your nature sightings. Check out the Beyond Your Backdoor blog 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, Johnson expands on her Orion magazine essay, 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.

Managers and Engagement Teams

Break out the fun with tree-themed staff engagement and recognition activities!

Go wild with a round of Spring Trivia at your next staff meeting to test your team’s knowledge of trees and nature. (TIP: This is a great activity to connect virtual teams.) 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.

Treat your team to a lunch break and enjoy one of the campus walks or wellness activities mentioned above.