The custodial and landscape services department at Missouri University of Science and Technology has received a $10,000 Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation. The grant will help fund an updated inventory and evaluation of campus trees.

To complete the inventory, Missouri S&T has contracted with Davey Resource Group, an experienced urban forestry consulting firm. Davey’s trained arborists and horticulturists will then complete a geographic information system (GIS) to locate each tree on Missouri S&T’s 236 acres, identify its species, evaluate its condition and project its lifespan. All information will be installed on an asset management computer program provided by the company. The completed program will allow campus landscapers to plan for maintenance and future replacement.

During the 2006 ice storm, many campus trees were damaged or destroyed. This project will allow the university landscaping staff to identify those damaged trees, prioritize maintenance needed on the existing trees and correct storm damaged trees.

“Missouri S&T takes great pride in its urban forest, open spaces and other natural resources,” says Randy Davis, assistant director of custodial and landscape services at Missouri S&T. “We also have a commitment to the urban forest of the Rolla community. Part of the beauty of Rolla is tied to the trees on campus.”

Once the project is complete, Davis says, the department will apply for additional funding for tree replacement. The campus may also be eligible for “Tree Campus USA” certification in 2010. Tree Campus certification recognizes of the university’s commitment to conservation and community beautification.

Working on the project with Davis is Jim Duncan, manager of custodial and landscape services, and Ed Dunn, campus landscape designer and arborist. For more information about the project, contact Missouri S&T physical facilities at 573-341-4247.