The St. Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas hosts an abundance of trees that contribute to the beauty of the campus and help to create contemplative spaces that allow for learning and reflection. A 2018 census of campus trees documented ~1330 individual trees making up 68 species that together provide annual ecosystem services worth ~$13,000 per year (based on estimates using the my tree function of iTree). These services include removal and sequestration of carbon dioxide, the filtration of air and removal of pollutants (including CO, NO2, SO2, ozone and particulate matter), and the reduction of stormwater runoff and erosion. The trees provide valuable food and habitat to pollinators and other animals. And, of course, trees increase the well-being of community members.
The campus tree project, conducted by students in the “Plants Food and Medicine” class (BIOL315) has involved creation of this web page providing information about campus trees. We have also placed tags on many of the trees with a QR code that links to the web pages. Using a smart phone you can scan the code to learn more about trees of interest.
You can also see these trees on campus by setting out on one of our Campus Tree Tours, using the “Our Treasure Hunt” App. Currently we have one active tour with a focus on trees that are native to Minnesota. This tour takes you to 15 species and describes how the trees have been, and continue to be, used by humans. To access the tree tour, click on the link below which takes you to the app and the tour. The hunt is called “Campus Tree Hunt, Native Trees and Their Uses”.
https://ourtreasurehunt.page.link/WMv2
In the fall of 2021 artist Sarah Nelson created an illustrated booklet to accompany the native tree tour. The booklet is available in boxes located on campus, but an e-version of the booklet can be accessed here:
All information on the Ojibwe uses of tress is thanks to Ethnobotany of the Ojibwe Indians by Huron Smith.
St Thomas Trees 