Rhode Island College

The trees growing on the 180-acre Rhode Island College campus are a splendid resource that merits our attention and respect. The College community enjoys a remarkable assembly of trees both in number (over 1100 individuals) and diversity (over 80 different species and varieties). Most of the trees have been planted since the College moved to its Mount Pleasant location in 1958 from downtown Providence, but a few species predate that relocation. Additionally, the campus is surrounded by several wooded areas that include a variety of native trees and has a small oak-dominated woodland in its core.

Everyone who works at, studies in, or visits Rhode Island College is affected by the campus trees. They define the landscape, shade us from the heat, protect us from the cold, and provide inspiration for our artistic and creative efforts. Trees recharge the air with oxygen, comfort us in times of stress, help remove pollutants from the air we breathe and water we drink, and provide nourishment and shelter to wildlife.