The severe ice storm of January 2007 caused significant damage and destruction across southwest Missouri.  The campus of Missouri State University was no exception, losing 140 historic trees and over 90% sustaining damage but surviving.  The storm has changed the face of campus, but an organized effort to reforest and restore the natural beauty of Missouri State University is underway. We need your help, please consider making a gift to this special project --Campus ReLeaf!  Your gift of any amount will help fund Campus ReLeaf and will make a difference on the Missouri State University campus.

The historic quad in front of Carrington Hall is the initial focus of the reforestation project. By spring of 2008, plans are to have planted two Dawn Redwood and four London Planes. These trees were selected based on historical fit, formal shape, prominence and health and durability. Unfortunately, the health of some of the remaining trees continue to decline and they will have to be removed.

In addition to funds raised, Missouri State received a $10,000 Missouri Department of Conservation TRIM grant in 2007. The money was used to pay for two areas of work, removal of hazardous trees and pruning trees damaged by the ice storm. A second TRIM grant of $1000 was awarded in the fall of 2008. The money will go toward the purchase of reference and training materials for the Grounds Department. The materials will aid in the re-establishment and maintenance of the tree population on the Springfield campus. TRIM stands for Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance Program and is a competitive cost-share program provided by and administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the Missouri Community Forestry Council and the U.S. Forest Service. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for the management, improvement or conservation of the urban and community forest.

You can still help with Campus ReLeaf.  Please make a gift today!  For more information contact the Missouri State University Foundation at 417-836-4143.