An open courtyard now sits on the site where three concrete classroom buildings long stood on campus at SUNY Old Westbury after the removal of those structures within the Academic Village more than a decade ago. To mark Arbor Day 2026, a collection of saplings were added to that mix of sidewalks and grassy areas that now populate the space.
Through the combined effort of the Student Government Association and the campus’ Grounds team, six Arborvitaes and six Crape Myrtles have been added to the campus aesthetic.
“Celebrating Arbor Day helps remind all of us of the importance of the stewardship of our shared environment,” said Justin Burmeister, interim director of facilities operations. “By planting and caring for these trees, we can cultivate a legacy of sustainability, community, and growth that will comfort generations to come.”
Burmeister gave special thanks to Grounds Supervisor Richard Carames and Grounds Team Leader Carlos Valle for coordinating and leading the planting efforts.
“The Academic Village is surrounded on two sides by a beautiful, wooded habitat, but not in a way that students can readily enjoy it” said Burmeister. “Our team thought it was important to bring some of that beauty into the students’ everyday lives by renewing the space they walk through to get to class and lounge in while relaxing with friends.”
Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. First celebrated in 1872, it was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel and beauty to open areas. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April.