Iowa State University Heritage Tree Program: Preserving the Genetic Heritage of Iowa State's Award-winning Campus

Iowa State University’s campus landscape has attracted students, faculty, alumni, and visitors, since the university was founded in 1858.  The 490-acre central campus features historical trees that either predate the institution or were planted as the campus was established.  Many historical specimens of trees are approaching the end of their life spans or have developed structural faults that represent safety hazards.  The objective of this project, supported by the Bob and Eileen Martin Heritage Tree Fund, is to preserve the genetic heritage of the campus landscape by: 1) identifying historical tree specimens, 2) collecting seeds or other plant parts that can be used to propagate, and 3) establishing progeny on campus and distributing excess young trees to alumni and supporters of Iowa State.  Specimens of interest include northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), black maple (Acer nigrum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), katsuratree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). We have collected seeds and have determined how they must be treated to induce germination.  Seeds of a notable specimen of northern catalpa that had grown near Pearson Hall for nearly 100 years before its removal were germinated in early 2013.  Progeny of the historic catalpa were planted on campus in late 2013, and about 170 additional seedlings were sold to alumni and supporters in cooperation with the Iowa State University Alumni Association.  A similar effort with a different species is anticipated in 2014 and annually thereafter.