Creating Witchhazel Walk

Zachary Hudson planting a boxwood shrub.

Graduate student Zachary Hudson, center, plants a boxwood shrub as part of the student-led "Witchhazel Walk" Arbor Day planting west of Horticulture Hall. Photo by Christopher Gannon.

The graduate student horticulture society led the April 19 Arbor Day planting project, with help from students in the undergraduate horticulture club and landscape architecture program.

More than 75 shrubs and trees were planted west of Horticulture Hall, along the sidewalk that leads north to Osborn Drive. Faculty and facilities planning and management staff also helped with the project.

Dubbed "Witchhazel Walk," the project was designed by horticulture graduate student Katrina Knudsen. The assortment of plants includes varieties that are scarce (or missing) on campus, including several species of ornamental witchhazel shrubs. They are intended to be used for teaching and will provide color -- including cardinal and gold -- throughout the seasons.

On April 25, students will add more than 300 perennials in the area as part of a class service-learning project, with help from faculty and staff.

Tree Campus USA

In addition to Arbor Day, the Witchhazel Walk project also observed ISU's Tree Campus USA designation.

The recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation acknowledges Iowa State's commitment to "effective urban forest management" and conservation efforts. The Tree Campus USA program has five requirements, including:

  • A tree advisory committee
  • A campus tree-care plan
  • Annual budget for a campus tree program
  • An Arbor Day observance
  • A student service-learning project

Related story

Video: Witchhazel Walk, April 19, 2016