The purpose of this administrative procedure is to outline the process for donation of trees. Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), Maintenance and Operations (M&O), and the arboretum archivist are responsible for tree donations, plaques, and the arboretum archives.
Commemorative Tree Locations
M&O will identify potential locations for commemorative trees according to the Master Plan of the college. Donors’ requests for alternative sites will be considered and subject to approval by M&O. Commemorative trees will be maintained as a memorial for the useful life of the tree. After the end of the useful life, the tree will be removed.
Tree Species
M&O will identify the preferred species for commemorative trees based on their specific locations on campus and with recommendations from the arboretum archivist. Donors’ requests for alternative species will be considered and subject to approval by M&O.
Procedure for Donating a Commemorative Tree
Donor will contact DAR. DAR will provide the donor with the list of acceptable tree species and locations compiled by M&O. DAR will finalize tree species and location with donor. DAR will finalize plaque inscription with donor, M&O, and arboretum archivist, and will order the plaque. DAR will receive and process the gift into the Behrend Arboretum and Landscape Fund. M&O will purchase and plant the tree and install the plaque.
Donor Gifts
Commemorative Trees
The cost of a standard commemorative tree and plaque is $1,000, which includes the tree, plaque, and planting. A 4” x 6” standard plaque may be placed at the base of the tree to acknowledge the gift and the person honored.
The plaque will be limited to:
- Common Tree Name
- Scientific Tree Name
- Tree Family
- State Tree of [name of state] (if applicable)
Optional Personalization:
Line 1 (choose one):
- In memory of [name of the person being honored]
- To commemorate [name of the person being honored]
- In celebration of [name of the person being honored]
Line 2:
- Gift of [name of individual or organization making the gift]
DAR will acknowledge gifts with a letter that expresses appreciation to the donor and include information on the species of the tree and location.
Other Gifts
Contributions of any amount may be made to the Arboretum and Landscape Fund. DAR will acknowledge the gifts with a letter of appreciation to the donor.
Maintenance
Commemorative trees and plaques will be maintained within M&O’s standard operating procedure for maintenance of the campus landscape. Trees and plaques will be replaced or repaired, within the first five years of planting/installation, if lost due to age, disease, weather, or campus development. After five years, the college cannot guarantee that a tree or plaque will be replaced.
Arboretum Archives
The arboretum archivist will maintain a list of campus tree species and locations, the information inscribed on plaques, and a list of donors. DAR will provide the arboretum archivist with all necessary information relating to donated trees.
Approved: 12/17/03: Jack D. Burke, Campus Executive Office and Dean
Revised January 17, 2007
Revised April 22, 2010
Revised August 6, 2015
Revised January 21, 2020
Revised June 23, 2021
Revised February 5, 2025