Replant Mount Oread: Watson Library & Fraser Lawn

On March 29, 1878, faculty and students gathered on Mount Oread to plant over 300 hackberry, evergreen, elm, and honey locust saplings as part of the first Arbor Day celebration at KU. In the decades that followed more than 200 walnut and oak trees were added to what is now known as Marvin Grove, elm trees grew into a canopy over Jayhawk Boulevard, and flowering redbud and crabapple trees brightened the spring landscape, contributing to KU’s recognition as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

More than a century after that first coordinated plantings, the University of Kansas has established an annual tradition of bringing the campus community together to plant trees, ensuring that future Jayhawks can have the same experience as alumni who walked in the shade of oaks and elms or enjoyed spring blooming trees while studying for finals.  Since 2012, Replant Mount Oread has gathered campus departments, student organizations, community members, and alumni to plant over 100 trees throughout campus.

This fall, the project will be planting shade trees and shrubs in the lawns of Fraser Hall and Watson Library, which will provide beauty and shade to the building fronts and lawn walkways as they grow.

This program relies not only on the volunteers who help with planting each year, but on the generous support of community members and alumni to fund the purchase of trees and planting materials, as well as rewards for our volunteers. In order to keep this new tradition alive, we need your support!