Lander University observed South Carolina's Arbor Day with the dedication of two trees recently planted on campus.
A "Dawn Redwood," a species native to China once thought to be extinct, was planted near the rear of Centennial Hall. While unimposing now, the tree will grow to a height of 120 feet in 40-50 years, according to Greenwood horticulturist and Lander Arboretum Committee member John Elsley, who spoke at the event.
A second tree, a Bald Cypress, was planted near the bridge behind Centennial Hall. When it's mature, in 15 years, it will be about 20 feet tall, Elsley said.
Elsley said that the plantings continue Lander's tradition of expanding its collection of trees "in an organized and professional way."
Trees make the environment more hospitable by lowering carbon dioxide levels and temperatures, creating oxygen and purifying water, according to Lander Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Andrew Schwendemann, who also addressed the crowd.
"The world as we know it would be a vastly different place without trees," he said.