Tree Planting Initiative

Lansing Community College will create a cleaner, greener campus by planting approximately 200 trees throughout 2015 and in to 2016. The proposal was approved at the Dec. 15, 2014 Board meeting.

The finished product is envisioned as a collection of treescapes within the campus core, with links to the surrounding frame of streets and public spaces. Each new tree planted will be a robust, native species that is indigenous to the area and will be selected based on suitability and 100-year life span.

Details of the campus improvement project include the narrowing of the sidewalks and improved landscaping between the Health and Human Services building and the Early LCC facility.

The additional trees will not only create an urban forest for students, faculty, and staff, but will also transform the streetscape in the heart of downtown Lansing. The sidewalks will be replaced along Capitol Ave. and Shiawassee St. with narrower walks and brick bands adjacent to the curb. To help ensure viability, the new trees will be planted in minimum 15-foot wide landscaped areas behind the sidewalk, helping to reduce salt damage and allowing a wider area for root growth.

The downtown campus encompasses 32 acres and will consist of nearly 500 trees. The College recognizes that the landscape of LCC is a valuable asset to the community and will be vigilant in utilizing best practices in responsible urban forestry by only removing trees as a consequence of disease, mortality, or safety. This supports the long-term goal of ensuring a vibrant, safe, and sustainable campus for students, faculty, and staff.

Sample Tree Species