USC Upstate marked its annual Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting ceremony at the George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics in downtown Spartanburg. The event included a proclamation by Spartanburg City Council Member Jamie Fulmer, delivered on behalf of Mayor Jerome Rice, ’08, officially designating December 6, 2024, as Arbor Day in Spartanburg County. Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn also attended, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainability.
Fulmer reflected on Arbor Day’s historical roots, dating back to its 1872 inception in Nebraska, and its ongoing relevance. “Trees play a critical role in combating climate change, enhancing property values, and beautifying communities,” he said.
Dr. Bennie Harris, USC Upstate’s Chancellor, highlighted the significance of trees in sustaining ecosystems and shared memories from his childhood in Mississippi. “Trees provide warmth, shelter, and a connection to the natural world. It’s our responsibility to be stewards of this vital resource,” Harris said.
This year’s celebration carried particular weight as the community continues recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage to Spartanburg’s tree canopy. Dr. Jeffrey Stinson, Dean of the Johnson College of Business and Economics, noted the symbolic importance of planting a new tree. “This tree represents resilience and renewal, a testament to our commitment to preserving the environment,” Stinson said.
Keynote speakers included Bob Polomski, an award-winning horticulturist with Clemson Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Kevin Parris, Horticulture Instructor and Arboretum Director at Spartanburg Community College. Both emphasized the importance of plant identification as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. “Arbor Day isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about recognizing their immense value. Even amid the destruction of Hurricane Helene, trees provide invaluable ecosystem services. They clean our air, lower energy costs, and enhance our quality of life,” Polomski said.
Dr. Parris encouraged attendees to deepen their understanding of plant identification through observation. “It’s not about relying on apps; it’s about noticing the finer details like leaf arrangement and texture. This hands-on approach connects us more deeply to the natural world,” he explained.
The celebration honored individuals who have made lasting contributions to USC Upstate’s conservation efforts, including the late Dr. Jack Turner. A beloved professor and pioneer of the university’s Watershed Ecology Center, Turner taught microbiology to more than 25,000 students during his 38-year tenure at USC Upstate, beginning in 1974. His passion for environmental education extended beyond the classroom, and his work laid the foundation for the university’s commitment to sustainability. “Dr. Turner was instrumental in shaping our campus’s ecological programs. His legacy lives on through the thousands of students he inspired and the programs he helped establish,” Harris said.
The event also showcased USC Upstate’s innovative use of technology in conservation efforts. Bruce Suddeth, Director of Building and Landscape Services, introduced the ArborPro software, which catalogs and locates each plant on campus. “This program ensures that donors and families can always find memorial trees and plants, even if tags go missing. We’ve logged over 3,000 trees on campus, and we look forward to adding more to this database,” Suddeth shared.
Carrie Vaughn, ’13, Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Communications, celebrated the collaborative spirit of Arbor Day. “USC Upstate is proud to be one of the few arboretums in Spartanburg County, and Arbor Day provides a meaningful opportunity to unite with others who are passionate about horticulture,” Vaughn said. “This marks our 16th year as a Tree Campus USA, a designation that reflects our commitment to effective forest management and engaging our campus in conservation efforts. It’s an honor to contribute to making our community and environment a better place.”
Attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the campus arboretum, where they explored species like the Dawn Redwood, Stellar Pink Dogwood Hybrid, and Winter King Hawthorn. The event concluded with a collective commitment to preserving Spartanburg’s natural beauty and planting seeds of hope for future generations.
If you’re interested in being notified about Arbor Day in 2025, please contact Carrie Vaughn. More photos from the day can be found on our Flickr account.