Members
The members of the 2003-04 Arboretum Committee were Mark Burns, Ann Bush, Silvana Gross (Pugwash Representative), Len Herman, Linda Partridge, Roseann Martinetti, Ann Williams, Chris Finitzer, and Tish Last.

Meetings
Nine (9) meetings were held between October and the end of April.

Accomplishments
During the academic year, the Committee focused on three main initiatives: (1) determining a viable educational project for the Overlook Estate Foundation, (2) investigating world-renown architect, Maya Lin, for a possible speaking engagement, and (3) planning and executing Earth Day festivities. The Committee also discussed starting a Witness Tree program whereby saplings from stately old trees, which have been on campus since Marywood's founding, are sold to alumni and friends of Marywood. The program has been tabled until next fall.

The Committee determined that a project that involved St. Clare's School would be fun and mutually beneficial. With the funds secured from Overlook Estate Foundation, the Committee was able to purchase books for the St. Clare 3rd Graders from the Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension titled "Treetops". The students' study of trees culminated in the planting of 30 evergreen saplings on April 29 along the dirt road behind the Marywood baseball field. Sixty (60) 3rd graders participated in the planting along with their teachers, two Pugwash members, two parents, a nurse, four members of the Arboretum Committee and several Marywood grounds people. Each team of two students named their tree and received tree care instructions from Grounds Superintendent, Mark Burns. Juice and pretzels were served.

Dr. Linda Partridge spearheaded the effort to engage Maya Lin for a speech/talk on her approach to her work as it relates to nature. A meeting was held with Dr. Pheasant, who has met Maya Lin in his previous position at Juniata College. The investigation is continuing.

Earth Day (April 22, 2004) took on new meaning this year. The Arboretum Committee in conjunction with the Pugwash Club planned a program that they hoped would raise awareness of our environment. The day included remarks by Sister Mary, poetry readings, a rousing speech by Becca Ryals and a drum circle. A picnic lunch was paid for, prepared and served by Pugwash with the Arboretum Committee providing cookies, water and the musical entertainment of the Smith Brothers. Posters and pins marked the occasion. The Committee estimates about 250 students, staff and faculty attended. Our neighbors on the adjacent streets were also invited via flyers.

It should be noted that the addition of the three faculty members to the Committee along with a strong Pugwash representative raised the level of environmental awareness for the veteran members and underscored the need to make the Arboretum a teaching tool for our students as well as the Scranton community and beyond.

Submitted by

Patricia McCarthy Last, Chair

May 18, 2004