Chatham Hall Celebrates Earth Day & Arboretum Dedication

4/23/2024

On April 22, Chatham Hall students and faculty welcomed alumnae, local residents, and friends to campus for a special Earth Day celebration that included the dedication of its new arboretum.

The day kicked off with a morning stretch followed by an outdoor Chapel in the Peace Garden, which included a performance by the spring dancers. The rest of the morning was spent in student- and faculty-led workshops followed by a Faith in Action Series presentation. Workshops varied in topic, including building fairy houses, learning about toxic waste, creative writing, papermaking, making campus eco-signs, screen printing shirts, and more.

As a part of the Spiritual Life Department’s Faith in Action Series, Ferrum College Professor of environmental science and Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Delia Heck presented about the intersection of religion and the environment, including topics such as climate change and advocacy.

Following a picnic lunch and second round of workshops, guests were welcomed to campus for a keynote address by Molly Davis ‘79, director at The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, in the Van Voorhis Lecture Hall. She was introduced by arboretum task force member and Trustee Kate Bulkley ‘77 who spoke about how this project came to be and its importance.

“Arboreta are important. Not only are arboreta places that protect trees and shrubs for all of us to enjoy, but arboreta are also part of a bigger picture of climate resilience and stewardship,” Bulkley said. “The Chatham Hall Arboretum is a part of a promise to protect and steward our campus, and especially our trees.”

Davis’ keynote included a discussion about what an arboretum is, how it will impact the Chatham Hall community and its future, and all of the hard work that went into its formation over the past two years leading up to its Level I accreditation by ArbNet in February.

“As someone deeply passionate about plants, public gardens, botanical gardens, and arboreta and their profound impact on our environment and communities, it fills my heart with joy to see the culmination of two years of dedicated hard work,” said Davis.

Following the keynote address, attendees proceeded to the Front Lawn for the dedication of the Chatham Hall Arboretum, which included song, dance, quotes, a blessing, and a tribute by Mayor of Chatham Alisa Davis.

“This incredible effort by Chatham Hall to achieve this accreditation will be so meaningful, not just to its students, but also to the entire community. I’m honored to be with you today to celebrate and recognize this wonderful designation and express the appreciation of the town in this investment into our environment and our community,” noted Mayor Davis.

Large bamboo arches, which were created by art students, served as the backdrop to the service. Earlier in the day, all attendees were invited to add a piece of student-made seed paper to the structure. The seed paper will fall from the arches to contribute to the campus’ pollinator garden and continue to strengthen the campus’ ecosystem.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the formation, accreditation, and dedication of the Chatham Hall Arboretum, and to all who joined us for this very special event!

Pictures from our community Earth Day celebration and arboretum dedication can be found on the School’s SmugMug.

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