LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University will celebrate Arbor Day by planting 12 ponderosa pine trees in the courtyard between North Hall and South Hall.

The tree planting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, April 28.

The tradition of planting trees on campus has been upheld since the university was recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education Institution by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2016.

Campus arborist David Yoder has confirmed that the selected trees are native to the area and are expected to thrive in the chosen environment, according to a press release. He added that the ponderosa pine is one of the most beloved trees in the West and enhances the beauty of the campus throughout the year.

The Tree Campus USA designation, which has been awarded to eight universities and colleges in Oregon, aligns with EOU’s strategic goals of providing and maintaining a campus that promotes a thriving university community. The national program was established in 2008 to recognize colleges and universities for their effective forest management and to encourage staff and students to engage in conservation projects.