![UC Merced staff plant a tree](https://news.ucmerced.edu/sites/news.ucmerced.edu/files/news/image/imresizer-1713826878701.jpg)
A tree planting ceremony was held on campus to commemorate Arbor Day 2024. Various campus groups planted and dedicated 14 trees, each type representing a different tenet of the university. Volunteers planted olive trees to symbolize peace and hope, red maple trees to symbolize vibrancy and endurance and oak trees to symbolize strength and resilience.
In his remarks, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz highlighted the importance of celebrating Arbor Day and the vital role trees play in our environment. He also touched on the beauty that they add to the campus and that he hopes that this will become an annual tradition.
The event closed with a reception and outdoor painting session. Water coloring kits were provided and attendees were encouraged to channel the beauty of their natural surroundings onto blank greeting cards. (Click photo below to scroll)