IU seeks to grow campus tree canopy with plantings

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Indiana University is looking for volunteers to help plant trees to replace those that were destroyed by storms that hit the Bloomington campus in May and to help meet the school's master plan of doubling the tree canopy on campus.

Organizers are asking students, faculty at Indiana University and community members to gather at the Dunn Meadow area of campus about 9:30 a.m. Friday to get to work.

University landscape architect Mia Williams says the new trees will help preserve the native woodland character of the campus.

The tree planting is part of a larger effort to engage students in the development of a vibrant urban tree canopy.

Some 300 trees were destroyed in May storms that caused a tornado near Bloomington and hit the area with 65 mph winds.