Big Dig Past and Present
Big Dig V - November 4, 2023
A cool, cloudy and misty day met the more than 60 volunteers organized by the Friends of the Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum who participated in planting 27 new trees around the Student Apartmentment Complex (STAC). 5 additional trees were planted in the Horace Mann Quad to replace trees that were lost over the past several years. The naturalized area planted in 2022 was also completed during this time. Good food and good times was had by all that dug in and helped plant the trees. Special thanks goes to: Students, The Buffalo State University Rowing Team, Chartwell's, Campus Facilities, CSEA Local 640, Department of Finance and Management, Small Business Office, the campus community, neighborhood residents and local businesses for their partnership to make this event successful!
Big Dig IV - October 29, 2022
The Friends of the Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum and the Buffalo State University Sustainability Committee organized a tree planting event on Saturday October 29 at 8:00 am. Native trees and shrubs were planted on the steep slope between Moot and Ketchum Halls. This area was transformed from a hard to mow turf area to a naturalized native planting of trees, shrubs and perennials. Trees were also planted in the turf Islands of Rockwell Rd., further beautifying the campus. This service learning project taught students, faculty and staff of Buffalo State University how to properly plant trees and shrubs. Great food and refreshments were provided by Chartwells. A beautiful sunny day in the 60's added to the camaraderie with old and new friends. We are grateful to Chartwell's, Campus Facilities, CSEA Local 640, Department of Finance and Management, Small Business Office, the campus community, neighborhood residents and local businesses for their partnership to make this possible.
Big Dig III - Fall 2021
After a year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, our third Big Dig returned with much success. A mild and sunny mid-autumn day brought out 50+ volunteers, on Saturday November 6, 2021, on the Grant Street corridor of the campus to plant 35 trees. Basswood, Chinese Fringe Tree, Maackia, Oak, Redbud, and Serviceberry were the tree species planted. We are grateful to our partners for which this would not have been possible; Chartwell's, Facilities, CSEA Local 640, Department of Finance and Management, Buffalo State Crew Team, Small Business Office and others for their dedication.
Big Dig II - Fall 2019
Our second Big Dig took place on Saturday November 2, 2019, in the Hank Mann Quad, and on the south and east sides of Cassety Hall. 40+ volunteers braved the cool but fair conditions to successfully plant more than 35 trees and shrubs. A diverse variety of trees were planted including, Cherry, Hackberry, Mountainash, Redbud, Sweet Gum and Yellowwood. Special thanks to Chartwell's, Facilities, CSEA Local 640, Department of Finance and Management, Buffalo State Crew Team, Small Business Office and others for their hard work.
Big Dig I - Spring 2019
Our inaugural Big Dig planted 35 new trees on Bengal Walk between Rees St. and Grant St. to help celebrate Arbor Day 2019 at Buffalo State! This effort took place on April 27, 2019, and even though the weather was less than ideal, there were 40+ volunteers to help. Of the 35 trees we planted, there were 7 different species of trees including, Birch, Elm, Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Maple, and Serviceberry. Thanks to Chartwell's, Facilities, CSEA Local 640, Department of Finance and Management, Buffalo State Crew Team, Small Business Office and others for their hard work.