Fairmont State University Receives WV Division of Forestry Grant for Campus Tree Planting

Fairmont State University has been awarded a grant through the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) to increase biodiversity on campus through the planting of trees. 

Grant funds will allow the University to plant new trees on either side of Campus Drive East. This planting site was chosen because it is directly adjacent to Fairmont State’s dormitories and outdoor recreation areas, which will allow more students and local community members to experience the trees and their benefits. 

As a public institution, Fairmont State University is committed to fostering a beautiful, welcoming campus where students, faculty, staff, and community members feel a true sense of belonging. Support from generous grants help the University drive this initiative forward, advancing projects that enhance campus vibrancy and strengthen Fairmont State’s vision to be A Great Place to Call Home. 

The project was initiated by Fairmont State’s Creative Sustainability Council, an interdisciplinary group of students, faculty, and staff members who actively collaborate with members of the local community and other partners on student-led sustainability projects while promoting creativity in sustainable practices. 

Devin Carpenter, Assistant Construction Manager; Nathaniel Myers, Associate Professor of English; and Ryan Williams, Creative Sustainability Council member and Architecture major, collaborated to receive this Community EquiTree grant to benefit the campus community. The planting will provide general improvements important to any community, such as enhanced canopy cover and improved air quality, but also site-specific improvements including soil erosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement. 

“The trees themselves are a great project, helping to develop this underused space on campus into something that is both a beautiful showcase of West Virginia trees and helps to mitigate local issues like soil erosion or larger ones like global warming. But even more than that, I hope projects like this inspire more students to get involved. The more people are engaged with their community and campus, the more we can improve and better serve the present and the future,” said Willams. 

Additionally, the biodiversity found on campus will increase through the planting of American Holly, Blackhaw Viburnum, Common Witch Hazel, and Eastern Redbud trees, all of which are species native to the area. 

The WVDOF Urban and Community Forestry program cooperates with communities to promote the long-term care of trees in cities and communities throughout the state. This program also establishes guidelines for planting, caring for, and protecting trees throughout West Virginia. Fairmont State’s project meets the goals of this program by providing an opportunity for students to get involved with community sustainability projects, for faculty to improve their instruction by helping others understand the importance of trees and nature, and for everyone to better understand and engage with their local environment during and after the planting. 

As the trees grow, their benefits will as well. The canopies will help shade the area, especially nearby asphalt parking lots and roads, which can store heat. The roots of the trees will grow into the hillside, stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. Additionally, their fall foliage will create a beautiful scene familiar to many West Virginians. 

Carpenter shared, “The planting of these native species not only aids in beautifying our campus but also offers back to nature a piece of what urban development once removed.” 

Project success will be measured by the reception from the local community and students using surveys administered through the Creative Sustainability Council. A ceremonial tree planting was held on April 25, 2025 to mark the beginning of this project, which is expected to be completed in June of 2025. 

“We are all very proud of Ryan and his hard work on this project,” stated Myers. “Hopefully this will inspire future projects that will contribute to sustainability on our beautiful campus.” 

This grant was obtained with the assistance of the Fairmont State University Office of Sponsored Programs.