Help UR Win the Arbor Day Event Contest!

The University has been selected by the Arbor Day Foundation as one of 10 Tree Campuses for the potential to earn $1,000 towards an Arbor Day event as well as free t-shirts and banners!   

Without further ado, please cast your vote and help us win at http://arbordaynow.org/contest/vote.cfm#pd_a_6016098 . The top five colleges who receive the most votes will receive the prize.  We are up against some larger Universities, so please spread the word and encourage others to vote as well.

This year Dan Schied, Manager of the Horticulture and Grounds Department, will be joined by the City of Rochester and Monroe County to hold a very special and memorable Arbor Day event.  The event will be held on Friday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Genesee Valley Park to celebrate the “tree of life”. 

Rochesterians of many generations are familiar with the uniquely shaped bur oak tree which became fondly known as the “tree of life”. It’s branches extended long and low to provide the perfect place for animals and people alike to sit and climb on. It became renown as a sort of “giving tree”. The tree resided in the park for over 120 years until sadly it collapsed in July of 2010, ironically as a result of not being able to sustain its own weight in such a giving shape. But the tree’s remains still exist in the park and serve as a memorial to the many years it occupied the park. It’s memory and spirit lives on. There is even a facebook page dedicated to the tree (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Genesee-Valley-Park-Tree-of-Life-Memorial/108233719229081) where pictures and stories are shared.

So please, help make this event special. Cast your vote and send the page to as many friends as possible. We hope to see you on the 27th!