AZ Dept. of Forestry and Fire Management Training
On Saturday March 23, 2024 the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management hosted a volunteer training eventing on the University of Ariona Campus Arboretum. Nature lovers and tree enthusiasts came together on the Tucson campus to deepen their understanding of trees, learn and practice proper tree measuring techniques. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn about tree identification, explore the ecological significance of various tree species within our arboretum, and to gain hands-on experience measuring some of the largest and most interesting trees in the campus collection. The trees measured included the following:
| Genus | species | Common Name | Accession # | Location Reference Building |
| Adansonia | za | baobab | 4386 | Administration |
| Ceiba | insignis | flosssilk | 1322 | Engineering |
| Crescentia | alata | calabash | 1780 | Main Library |
| Quercus | virginiana | live oak | 1457 | Park Ave Green Belt |
| Rhus | lancea | African sumac | 6712 | Yuma Dormatory |
| Albizia | sinaloensis | sinaloan silk | 1212 | Communications |
| Pistacia | chinensis | Chinese pistache | 3833 | Communications |
| Carnegiea | gigantea crestata | crested saguaro | 13136 | Old Main |
| Cassia | fistula | golden shower tree | 1539 | West of Nugent |
| Ceiba | aesculifolia | kapok | 2476 | Math |
| Ficus | carica | common fig | 1308 | Gould Simpson |
| Ficus | petiolaris | rock fig | 3137 | Main Library |
| Cassia | leptophylla | gold medalion tree | 3126 | Main Library |
| Phoenix | dactylifera | true date palm | 216 | Old Main |
| Quercus | suber | cork oak | 1319 | Engineering |
| Araucaria | bidwillii | bunya-bunya | 8851 | Yuma Dormatory |
These trees can be located on campus by using the interactive tree map found here.Select from the Menu, "search" and then enter the accession number associated with each tree above.
Those measurements were used in the submitting nomination packets in for those trees as they are likely worthy of recognition as Magificent Trees of Arizona. This program recognizes trees in Arizona that stand apart form the rest! The purpose of the program is to connect the citizens of Arizona to trees, and raise awareness of the importance of forestry and urban forestry in the state. The applications were submitted for the following arboretum accessions.
Application packets will be reviewed summer 2024 and award winners announced in December 2024.
Award recipients will be recorded on the "Award Winning Trees" page found here.
We extend our thanks to the State Foresters Office, volunteer participants and arboretum curator Brian Rasmussen who helped make this event a success and who successfully submitted the nomination packets. Your passions for trees and commitment to environmental stewardship inspire us to double down in carrying out the arboretum's mission of conservation, education, and appreciation for urban trees. The process of documenting and reviewing the diversity and astonishing characteristics of the majestic campus specimens reminds us of the legacy we are building and preserving.
Photos of the volunteers measuring the tree canopy dimensions and tree height using clinometers are shown below:
