‘Get Rooted’ Native Planting Project Seeks Volunteers
Monday, March 30 2009
March 30, 2009
Note to Media: A planting map is available at www.uisc.uidaho.edu/planting.pdf
Written by Jeannie Matheison
MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho students have the opportunity to "Get Rooted" by participating in a planting project that aims to increase native plant species on campus.
“'Get Rooted' is the first step in launching an in-service learning project connecting the local environment and its restoration,” said Darin Saul, Sustainability Center director. “As simple as this sounds, planting a tree is a survival skill for human species in the 21st century.”
Some 160 first year students from CORE courses will participate in the two "Get Rooted" service-learning planting events. The courses represented include The Power of Play, Field Activities in Environmental Science and Globalization. Students will plant nearly 700 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, including: Ponderosa Pine, Limber Pine and Bur Oak trees; cinquefoil, Ninebark and Wood's Rose shrubs; and Kinnikinnick and Creeping Oregon Grape groundcovers.
Events include:
• Saturday, April 4: Volunteers for this event should contact Stephanie McNelis, UISC volunteer coordinator, at mcne6764@vandals.uidaho.edu for additional information.
• Tuesday, April 21: This is part of the university's Campus Day. Volunteers for this event should contact Stephanie McNelis, UISC volunteer coordinator, at mcne6764@vandals.uidaho.edu for additional information.
“'Get Rooted' is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive difference," said Chris Dixon Environmental Science adviser. "Students will plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs on campus, leaving a green legacy for future generations.”
Funding for "Get Rooted" is provided by: Sustainable Idaho Initiative, Environmental Science Program and the Sustainability Center. Project partners include: Career and Professional Planning, Facilities Landscape and Exterior Services, Forest Resources and Pitkin Forest Nursery.
Future Get Rooted planting events are planned for eight distinct areas on the University of Idaho campus. A map identifying planting areas is posted on the Sustainability Center Web site at www.uisc.uidaho.edu/planting.pdf.
A third native planting event, organized by the University of Idaho Women in Science, is scheduled for the university's annual "Saturday of Service," held on Saturday, April 25. Volunteers will take down fencing, pull non-native weeds and plant trees at the Stateline Wetlands. West of the waste water treatment plant and directly across from Applebee’s, Stateline Wetlands is located on the state line between Idaho and Washington.
“Previous plantings at the wetlands have had an 80 percent survival success rate,” said Dixon.
Volunteers interested in planting on April 25th should contact the Associated Students for the University of Idaho (ASUI) Center for Volunteerism and Social Action Coordinator David Prinz at dprinz@uidaho.edu.
University of Idaho Horticulturist and "Get Rooted" Adviser David Rauk said the results from such projects are long-lasting. “It’s rewarding to look back on the tree seedlings you have planted in the past, and see grown trees for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
Funding for the Stateline Wetlands restoration project is provided by Sustainable Idaho, Idaho Fish and Game, the Latah County Community Foundation, Moscow Recycling and Tri-State.
As increasing environmental awareness drives interest in sustainable practices, the University of Idaho continues to seek sustainable initiatives to meet the current and future needs of society and to contribute to the quality of life and the natural resources in Idaho, the nation and the world. For more information about the university’s sustainability efforts, contact the University of Idaho Sustainability Center at uisc@uidaho.edu or visit www.uisc.uidaho.edu.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Media Contacts: Darin Saul, University of Idaho Sustainability Center, (208) 885-0124, dsaul@uidaho.edu; or Chris Dixon, Environmental Science Program, (208) 885-6113, cdixon@uidaho.edu
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.