NW Missouri Times

The Missouri Arboretum on the Northwest Missouri State University campus is home to more than 1,700 trees representing over 160 species from around the world. The university is now offering new ways for students, employees, and visitors to learn about these tree species through an enhanced tree walk funded in part by a Missouri Department of Conservation Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant.

New signage being installed this month will highlight 24 trees and four campus landmarks. Each tree will be marked with an identification sign and a QR code linking to a short video with more information about the selected tree species. Visitors can also learn about the Missouri Arboretum, the Thomas Gaunt House, the Memorial Bell Tower, and the Kissing Bridge at interpretive signs near each location with historical photos, text, and a QR link to a video.

“Several faculty members use the Arboretum as a living laboratory to teach about trees and the natural environment,” Shane Baumgart, director of the Missouri Arboretum, said. “We hope our new signs and the interactive tour inspire even more people to explore our amazing campus and Arboretum.”

Missouri Arboretum staff collaborated with multiple Northwest units, including the School of Communication and Mass Media, Special Collections and Archives, Office of University Marketing and Communication, Landscape Services, and the Office of Sustainability to complete the project.

Northwest has consistently received TRIM grant funding since 2017 to help preserve and expand the Missouri Arboretum. The state legislature designated the Northwest campus as the Missouri Arboretum in 1993. Today, it features notable specimens such as an Overcup Oak, a White Fringe Tree, and an American Yellowwood—recognized as some of the largest trees of their kind in Missouri. In 2018, ArbNet accredited Northwest as a Level II arboretum.

The university’s legacy of caring for trees dates back nearly 50 years before its founding in 1905 when approximately 85 acres of its current 330-acre campus were part of a tree farm established by Thomas Gaunt in 1857. The Gaunt home has served as a residence for university presidents since its founding.

Northwest’s commitment to urban forest management regularly earns it recognition as a Tree Campus USA. The campus environment also offers opportunities for research and education. Annually planting a tree to commemorate new freshman classes is one such tradition. Student organizations like Bearcats Going Green actively engage in activities that enhance the Missouri Arboretum while educating others about environmental stewardship.

For more information about the Missouri Arboretum, visit [website].