November 1, 2024
East Texas Baptist University faculty, staff, and students joined together on campus on Friday, November 1 to celebrate Texas State Arbor Day by planting trees and enhancing the University’s beautiful grounds.
While National Arbor Day is celebrated in late April, Texas observes Arbor Day on the first Friday in November to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, which are ideal for planting. ETBU honors Texas Arbor Day annually, offering students a meaningful opportunity to engage in the tree-planting process and contribute to the long-term beauty and sustainability of the campus.
“I look forward to this event every fall,” ETBU Director of Landscaping Jason Funderburk shared. “It allows the Landscaping Department to interact with students and step out from behind the scenes. We discuss the history of Arbor Day, dating back to 1872 when J. Sterling Morton established it in Nebraska, and highlight areas of campus where we’ve planted trees in past years. Many students who participate develop a sense of pride, knowing they’ve contributed to the future landscape of the University.”
This year’s tree-planting event included Tiger students and student-athletes, who planted an "Autumn Blaze" Red Maple tree in front of Dean Healthplex.
“The ‘Autumn Blaze’ Red Maple is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America,” Funderburk explained. “The U.S. Forest Service recognizes it as the most abundant native tree in the eastern United States. Fortunately, East Texas lies within its natural range, allowing us to enjoy its brilliant fall color and canopy.”
Funderburk reflected on the lasting impact of these efforts, adding, “There’s a saying: ‘We are borrowing shade from trees that we did not plant.’ Over the years, alumni often tell me how much they enjoy returning to campus to see the trees they helped plant. For current students, these trees provide shade, oxygen, and beauty during their time on The Hill.”
As the celebration concluded, Funderburk encouraged the ETBU community to reflect on the importance of trees. “Let’s not take trees for granted. Look at the trees around you and consider what differences you can make in your community, neighborhood, or even your own backyard.”