BLOOMINGTON – IU Health Bloomington leadership and representatives from Indiana University came together at the Indiana University Regional Academic Health Center on Friday, April 26, to commemorate National Arbor Day with tree planting.
IU Health South Central Region President Denzil Ross welcomed everyone to this fourth-annual event and congratulated the team on the facility’s continued recognition as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Healthcare Facility.
“An old proverb says, ‘The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now,’” said Ross. “Environmental conservation and education are essential for our present and future, and we are proud to contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s efforts to encourage healthcare providers, patients, team members, and neighbors to enjoy the benefits of healthier lifestyles through experiences with nature.”
The event culminated with planting a 4- to 5-year-old Nyssa sylvatica, a Black Gum “Wildfire” variety tree. This native tree is known for carrying a glossy green leaf throughout the summer, which turns into a brilliant glossy red leaf in the fall.
Mia Williams, University Landscape Architect at Indiana University, said, “When you’re playing the tree game, you’re always playing the long game. As far as a symbol goes, there could not be a better symbol to represent our beautiful campus and our community.”
