Of the many benefits offered by planting trees, the social aspect is most vital to the well-being of the campus.
More trees on campus would improve the physical appearance of FAMU and supply a recreational setting. Trees in urban areas, such as FAMU’s campus, have many social benefits. The addition of trees can significantly improve people’s mental and physical health.
A case study done by the University of Cambridge showed people in an office environment with views of trees from their buildings suffered from fewer diseases than those without. This suggests that being around Mother Nature can make you feel good.
According to an article by Rim D. Coder of the University of Georgia, people prefer to interact in calming, beautiful, and nature-dominated areas.
More trees on campus would allow students to interact with one another in a more relaxing environment while enjoying campus scenery. These areas can be host to many social events, which will make for a livelier environment.
Matthew Powers, associate professor in the school of architecture and master of the Architecture Land Program, also agrees that trees would encourage people to venture outside more and increase social interaction. He says that “The Set”, one of the shadiest places on campus, is full of outdoor interaction and can be used as a blueprint for transforming other places on campus.
The tree-planting effort is a great opportunity for fraternities, sororities and other social groups to display their esprit de corps for the public to see. They can proudly display their associations on various trees that are marked as their territories. However Powers also recommends that social groups limit permanent markings such as paintings mostly for trees already marked, because it is important not to undo maintenance and minimize damage that could harm the trees.
For those who prefer to have peace of mind while undertaking strenuous academics, trees can benefit by providing “white noise,” the sound of leaves and branches in the wind and associated natural sounds, which masks other man made noises. Trees can reduce 7 decibels of noise per 100 feet by reflecting and absorbing sound energy.
Among all of the positive attributes, not only will FAMU’s campus be publicly recognized for its flora, but it would also instill pride in the students, faculty and community.