Elizabethtown College is known for a variety of things. Students celebrate traditions like the Marshmallow Game, we walk out of class and appreciate the welcoming smell of chocolate days, and we visit the mineral gallery of the Master’s Center and appreciate the collection. There are some aspects of Etown’s campus that are just so beautiful they’re hard not to appreciate.
Walking out around campus one beautiful afternoon with Dr. Bridge and a small group of environmental science majors, we explored the native plant life of campus. Dr. Bridge was kind enough to point out a variety of native plant species that most students most likely see every day. From local native wildflowers to native tree species, an astonishing variety of naturally occurring and planted native species cover the campus.
“Dr. Bridge opened our eyes to the unique diversity here on our campus, most of which I had no idea was native to Pennsylvania,” first-year environmental science major Nolan Yost said.
Our small group’s adventure began just behind the Masters Center and moved toward Leffler Chapel & Performance Center, a group of native Serviceberry Trees lined the path moving down the stairs. The native wildflower Virginia Spring Beauties claimed the surrounding area. Within view, we could also see some native trees, the White Pine and some Native Oaks to be specific. I should also point out to all readers who enjoy the popular Nutella spread that the hazelnut tree is also native to this area.
Walking towards the Academic Quad and around the Master’s Center, Dr. Bridge pointed out some of the native milkweed, New York ironweed and swamp rose mallow surrounding Lake Placida. While the academic quad represents a lot of beautiful tree species, some, while stunning, like the cherry trees with their stunning pink leaves, are less than native. Walking around Hoover Center, the native Virginia bluebells, the Allegheny spurge and the native dogwood could all be seen. Moving onwards and walking around Nicarry Hall, we were surrounded by golden groundsel and the native Jacob’s Ladder. After passing under the bridge connecting Nicarry Hall to Wenger Center for the Humanities, we were welcomed by the towering native willow oak. As Dr. Bridge pointed out, some of these native trees on campus have small plaques containing the tree species name and a small image underneath for easy identification. This plaque represents an ongoing project that groups want to keep going on campus in order to allow for easier identification of these plant species.
Walking from Wegner towards Steinman Center for Communications and Art, we could now appreciate the local native yellow false indigo. Moving up the path toward Zug Memorial Hall, we found one of the campus’s more iconic native tree species. This stunning Red Maple not only provides students with shade in the warmer, more sun-filled months, but it also provides a nice sitting area and the swing we all know and love. Looking down towards the distant Dell we could appreciate the native Paw Paw trees amongst the ever-towering other native tree species.
Curving up and around the Baugher Student Center (BSC) and the Brossman Commons turning back towards the academic quad near the Thompson Gym, we looked at more native plant species. Represented in this area were the native pagoda dogwood, the fruit-bearing May apples, and the partridge berry.
It was here that our grand tour ended and we spoke about the past ecological efforts on this campus. Dr. Bridge informed us of the efforts made by Sherrie Moyer from 2004 to 2014 as the Campus Horticulturist. In fact, it was Moyer who introduced the native paw paw trees to campus.
Looking now toward the future, it seems there are lots of opportunities for students who want to help. The Seeds Club on campus is very active with efforts relating to the plant life on campus as well as other events in the area. It seems that the future of our very own campus biome is in our hands and we must continue the effort.
