Members Of Trinity Community Rally To Preserve Trees On Campus

On Thursday, October 28, many in the Trinity community were shocked to hear that the large, prominent, and beautiful 80 foot tall European Beech tree near the Koeppel Student Center in the Chapel parking lot would have to be torn down in order to build a new admissions / career services building in the same area. The existence and importance of the Beech tree was recognized in the planning stages of the project, which called for it to remain. But because of an error somewhere in the design process, the relation of the root system to the new construction was improperly calculated.

Although the tree had originally been slated to stand, Vice President of Finance Michael West informed faculty members that day in an emergency meeting that the tree would have to be removed in order to provide space for an underground utility area. Concerned members of the community fear that this error will have far reaching consequences, since the destruction of such a large and prominent tree would change the aesthetic value of the campus in a dramatic and permanent way. The act would also go against a statement made by the administration in an official and open context last May that the tree was not in any danger of being torn down.

Among the many faculty members and students who have decided to take an active stance on this issue is Professor of Political Science Diana Evans. Says Evans, regarding the sudden recognition that the tree was in peril; "That fact [that the tree would need to be torn down] was discovered in the process of laying out the building boundaries and in planning to shield the roots of the beech tree with steel plates. It seems that no one previously had noticed that the excavation for the foundation of the building would come to within 8 feet of the trunk, destroying 25% of the root system, which the tree could not survive."

On the importance of arboreal survival, she notes that "Our trees are such an important part of Trinity's character. In fact, we have some very significant trees here, some of which are the largest of their species in Connecticut. The beauty of those and other trees is reason enough to preserve them, but they are also part of our long, rich history, and we have an obligation as a community to protect them for future generations. It is critical that we balance building projects that are needed for us to retain our position as an outstanding liberal arts college with the natural beauty and tranquility that trees and green spaces provide for our campus."

Many in the community have been both surprised and saddened at the possible findings and are dismayed that the tree has been reduced to the status of a mere obstacle impeding on the construction of the new, state of the art building, as currently planned. The strong common voice in favor of saving the Beech seems to have made the administration reconsider its plan. As of now decision has been finalized, and West has promised to work with the school's architect to search for a design solution that would allow the tree to continue to stand. According to the man responsible for campus design, Ronald Thomas, "On the one tree in question near the Bistro that is now compromised, we are working hard to find a solution that will preserve it. We have consulted several times to the architects, the arborist, and the landscape designer to propose a workable solution, and are now discussing alternatives. We will keep the community apprised of the outcome of those efforts." There are currently no definitive plans to cut the tree down. Originally, the woodcutting service had been slated to take it down the Monday after Homecoming, November 15. On Monday afternoon, an email was sent out to the student body by Ronald Thomas and Michael West regarding the plans for the tree. "Alternatives have now been received from the architect, and the college is reviewing these options," state Thomas and West in the release, "We now believe we have a way to minimize the construction stress to this tree by using different construction techniques around the tree and by maintaining a greater distance of construction activity from the tree. We will keep the community informed as this issue develops further."

But the rare European beech does remain in peril until architects Bohlin, Cywinski, Jackson and landscape consultant Michael Vergason are able to find a viable solution. Also at issue are a number of other trees around campus that are marked to come down or have already been destroyed. Dozens of trees have been sacrificed to make room for new buildings, including a noticeable number of pine trees on Summit Street where the Project 2002 Residence Hall is being developed. While the loss of the trees is not permanent, as new trees can be planted when the grounds are landscaped and the building is done, it will take generations for the young saplings to reach the age and size of the more established trees that they were meant to replace. With such a small and densely packed campus area as Trinity's, the razing of even one tree might easily be noticed. The razing of a large and prominent tree like the one near the Koeppel Center might even change the balance of the entire campus. According to Thomas, the architect was instructed to plan "the most attractive possible landscaping around the new building." He was also instructed to reduce the amount of paving in the area to improve the green space we currently have. The design he proposed would add significantly more trees than were taken away. He also added that there are no longer any current plans to remove the tree. But many faculty members and students are aghast that anyone would even consider taking down the stately tree, for any purpose. Professor Diane Zannoni speculates as to what will happen if everything goes as originally planned, "The modern looking building will close that whole chapel area visually from Broad Street, spoil the beautiful view of the chapel, and it will destroy a wonderful tree." Others share her concern.

Professor Harvey Picker, along with other students and faculty, have made plans to hold a rally during Homecoming weekend if the tree is still in danger of coming down. At other schools across the country, architects and designers are thinking hard to come up with innovative building ideas that add energy and excitement to a campus, and that are unique because they can also stand by themselves as true works of art. Many are of the opinion that Trinity's new buildings should be cutting edge as well, especially since they are paying top dollar for them.

Progress towards a solution to the Beech problem seems to be underway, and the administration, according to West and Thomas, is optimistic that one can be reached. But many faculty members and students will not let their guard down until a guarantee of the tree's continued survival is set in stone.