Over the course of the past few weeks, it seems one question has been on the minds of every student on campus. Where is our beloved tree? 

For those who may be unaware of the absence of one of the campus’s most iconic trees, the tree used in the college’s annual tree-lighting ceremony has seemingly vanished. The tree had previously sat in a prime location on campus, being directly located in front of Zug Memorial Hall just off the set path heading up the hill. While if you weren’t previously familiar with its coveted location, now in its place lies a remnant of a movement. Upon the solemn stump sits the Lorax, well a cardboard cutout of the beloved character that is. Alongside him, a sign with his iconic line, “I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees!” His timeless message and reminder have not fallen on deaf ears within the college, as the Lorax’s representation upon that stump has raised questions and concern across the community as a whole. One supporter of the iconic Dr. Seuss’ character stated, “It was something that added to the natural beauty to the campus and made my walk to class in the morning a little bit more enjoyable” said Nolan Yost, Environmental Science ‘27. Another called it, “An enduring legacy, cast away by something new” said Camdyn Buohl, Biochemistry ‘27. But there had to be more to this story. Why the removal of the iconic tree? 

While its seemingly overnight disappearance may have been disheartening for some the truth of the situation is less malevolent than some may think. After getting in contact with Mr. Jerry Schaber, the director of facilities management for the Facilities Department, it was clear that this was a necessary action. It was brought to the attention ofSchaber by Michael Fasick that the tree had to be removed. As Schaber expressed to me, “Michael Fasick, grounds supervisor, is the person who makes the determination on whether trees need to be removed. Fasick has a Bachelor of Science in turfgrass science with a minor in agribusiness and is an ISA-certified Arborist. While this may be understandably upsetting to some, it was also made aware to me that, in the words ofSchaber, “The tree in question (the one in front of Zug used for the tree lighting ceremony), was found to be diseased and beyond the point of which treatment could save the tree.” 

While to our friend the Lorax and many on campus this may be upsetting news, a new light has emerged at the end of the tunnel. Looking towards next year, a new tree has been discovered as an optimal replacement for our cherished conifer. While this may be a bittersweet ending to a timeless piece of this campus for some,  the lights of a tree will shine on our beautiful campus once more.